Stress Relief

*yawn*

Waking up, Max sat up on the bed while yawning and stretching.

"… Scarlet?" Max lowly called while looking around after he noticed that he was alone under the sheets.

Not hearing anything, Max left the bed to search for her.

"I hope she's not-"

As he was walking towards the balcony, the red gardevoir appeared in front of him with teleport. Max quickly noticed a rather fancy-looking plate of food in her hands.

"Good morning, Scarlet. Can I ask where you found this?"

[… No.] she simply answered with a small smile.

With the way she answered and the look on her face, Max knew too well that she didn't get it 'honestly'. However, he let it slide this time since he was starving and happy to see her again.

"Thanks, love." Max thanked her before taking the meal.

[No problem.]

"How long have you been up?" Max asked while taking a nearby chair to sit.

Unfortunately, without a table, Max had to hold the plate with one hand while eating with the other. Quickly feeling that he will have trouble, Scarlet used her powers to make the plate float close to him.

[An hour or so, maybe.]

"Okay," Max replied, lifting his fork to stab one chunk of meat.

However, Scarlet didn't give him the chance to spear the food as she removed the fork from his hand. Using her psychic abilities again, she made a small portion of food float from the plate before going near Max's mouth.

"I can eat on my own, you know."

[I know, but I don't want you to spill everything.]

Surely Max didn't want to be spoiled, but she seems to have good intentions and really want to do it, so he let her do her little caprice.

"… Alright."

As soon as Max opened his mouth, Scarlet dropped the food in it so he can start chewing on it.

"Sleep well?"

[Really. It's been a while since I slept that well.]

"You missed me that much?"

[You can say that, yes.]

"Even though you considered not coming back?"

[… Can we… not talk about that this early in the morning?]

"Yes, sorry. It's just that it would have been a real shame for you to be gone forever. I mean, I'm deeply in love with you, Scarlet."

[I know. I guess I just wanted to keep you safe from the danger I can represent.]

"… Scarlet…"

[But now I'm back, which is what counts the most, right?] she interrupted.

"… Yes. You do mean a lot to me."

[You do too, to me.] she replied, briefly but gently rubbing his cheek with the back of one hand.

"… Well, how about we let the others know you're back after breakfast?"

[If we must.] Scarlet retorted, sounding half pleased.

"Come on now, don't tell me you don't want to see them."

[It's not that, it's just that it will be a bit awkward between us, don't you think?]

"… Not especially."

[Whatever then.] she countered while crossing her arms and looking away.

Upon better inspection, the gardevoir wasn't looking that hostile towards the idea but was rather looking a bit… embarrassed.

"If I didn't know you, I would think that you just don't want to go through the greetings and hugs." Max hypothesized with a grin.

[Please, don't be ridiculous now. As if mere hugs and affectionate display could scare me.]

"Who said anything about being scared?" Max demanded, raising an eyebrow.

[You, who else?]

"No, I didn't."

[Hem, yes you did.] Scarlet argued.

Not responding anymore, Max only looked at the pokemon with a very suspicious but skeptical expression.

[Rhaa, whatever.] Scarlet growled before sitting on the edge of the bed. [Just do it already, see if I'm scared or not.]

Rolling his eyes, Max finished his plate and put it on nearby furniture before going at his belt where his pokeballs were. First, he began with Bonny.

{Hi, master.} Bonny greeted as soon as she was out.

{… What about me?} Scarlet demanded, slightly offended.

{Oh, hi to you too.} Bonny greeted after turning her head, noticing Scarlet. {Sorry, I guess I'm still not used to the fact that you're back.} she jested, wanting to tease the gardevoir a little.

*Hmpf* {Charming.} Scarlet huffed with crossed arms.

As Bonny was giggling mischievously, Max released Dusk, May, and Aurora.

{Good morning, master.} May yawned while stretching.

"Hi girls, guess who's back?" Max inquired while pointing behind them.

Intrigued, all three of them turned their head to see Scarlet sitting on the bed, more or less trying to avoid their gaze.

{… S-Scarlet? Is that… really you?} Dusk stammered a little with wide eyes.

{Yes, Dusk, it's me.} the gardevoir oddly responded coldly.

{SCARLET!} the mawile yelled before running at her and jumping in her arms to hug her.

*Omf* {Happy to see you too, May.} Scarlet expressed while lightly hugging her.

{I can't believe you're back.} Dusk exclaimed before going for a less brutal hug herself.

{Yeah… I guess I am.} the red pokemon replied while looking at Max a bit sadly.

Her eyes then landed on Aurora who had her back laying against a wall and crossed arms.

{You don't want to hug me too?} Scarlet nagged lightly.

{No thanks.} Aurora rejoined simply.

{Aww, and I that thought that you liked me.}

{Tss, I wonder where you got that idea.}

{Me too, I wonder.}

"Alright, since Luna will probably join us later on, we're pretty much ready to go."

{After you get dressed up I hope.} Aurora commented.

{Why? I don't mind seeing him naked all day long. Don't you agree, Scarlet?} Bonny replied with a small grin.

{Yeah, I suppose.} Scarlet responded, trying her best to sound enthusiastic.

At that, Bonny looked at Max with a rather confused expression, with what Max only responded by slightly shaking his head.

{Well, in any case, the sooner we leave, the sooner we can have that battle.} Bonny pointed out.

"Indeed. I just hope we can do it today."

{Why couldn't we?} Aurora asked.

"Since that gym leader seems to use her battles mostly for show, surely I won't be the only one wanting a match, especially if the challenger gets a small reward for participating."

{Master's right, that kind of thing must attract a lot of humans.} Scarlet commented.

"Yeah, so the sooner we leave, the more chance we have to get a place."

{So what are we waiting for? Let's go.} Aurora urged a little.

{Ah, so you do want to see him naked all day long too.} Bonny teased.

{Pfff, yeah, sure.} the lucario rejoined, rolling her eyes.

Sighing a bit desperately, Max started to dress himself up while doing his best to keep the girls away from small and moderately friendly quarrels.

{Well, I guess you guys have a lot of time to catch up, so I thought that maybe you want to have your little day together.} Bonny proposed to Scarlet and Max.

"Hem… Well…" Max mumbled, uncertain.

{As much as I would like to, I'm still not ready to roam freely in a place filled with humans.} Scarlet retorted.

"Really?"

At that, Scarlet looked at Max a bit funnily.

"Sorry, I mean, it still sucks that you can't." he corrected.

{Sorry, master. I too would have liked walking around like the perfect couple… But some things can't change just within few days.}

"… I understand," Max replied, a bit disappointed.

Even though she felt it and didn't like it, there's not much the gardevoir could do.

[… Sorry.]

"Don't be, Scarlet. I have faith that we'll be able to do it someday."

{Oh, since when have you become optimistic?} Scarlet inquired with a small grin.

"One of us has to be." Max jested.

{There you go again. I'm not back for a full day yet and you're already asking for trouble?} the gardevoir retorted with a slightly seductive expression.

"Good luck on trying to kill hard habits, hehe."

{As for me, I'm good at killing something else.} Bonny intervened, looking at Max lewdly.

{Yeah, Bonny, we all know that you do.} Scarlet answered back while rolling her eyes.

{Tss, can't a girl express herself anymore?}

{I think you have expressed yourself more than enough on that matters.}

As Max was almost done preparing himself, he couldn't help but laugh a little alongside the others, making Bonny huff in an upset manner. A minute later, Max was all set and ready to go. With his backpack on his back, he put Dusk and Bonny back in their respective pokeball, leaving Aurora and May out since it was their turn to be out.

"So, I guess I'll see you later." Max pointed out when in front of the room door.

[… I suppose. Don't worry though, I'll watch your match.]

"Thanks, Scarlet."

After a goodbye kiss, Max left the room with Scarlet teleporting away a second later.

*Sigh* "Let's do this." Max exclaimed when out of the building.

{Relax, we got this.} Aurora reassured in her way.

"Are you sure?"

{Just leave it to me.} she bragged a little.

"Aurora, we already-"

While speaking, a familiar human hand landed on one of his shoulders.

{I'm impressed that you are able to wake up this early.} Luna jested a little.

"Yeah, well, I wanted to be sure to have a place for the battle."

{If not, there's still the beach that you promised us.} May told behind Max's head.

"Don't worry sweetie, I didn't forget. With what Luna got us, we can spend two or three days here to have plenty of rest."

{Yay!} May exclaimed happily.

{Then what are we waiting for? Let's go already.} Aurora urged.

"Alright." Max agreed before starting to walk with the girls. "Just remember that we work as a team, Aurora."

"Yeah yeah, whatever." the lucario replied so he could shut up, making Max sigh a bit desperately.

{Anyway, any specific strategy in mind?} Luna asked.

"Hard to make one when I don't even know who and where I'll fight."

{Good point.}

"I'll go with the usual and make one as the fight goes."

{Haha.} Aurora laughed sarcastically. {And you expect me to follow your lead when you don't even know where you're going yourself?}

"…"

{Charming, as usual.} Luna commented while glaring at Aurora.

"No, she's right." Max agreed to Aurora. "How can I expect you, girls, to work with me when I don't know what I'm doing myself?"

{Thanks Aurora, you made him doubt himself.} May spat towards the lucario.

{What? I'm just pointing out facts here.}

{Finesse isn't really your thing.} Luna commented.

{Pff, whatever.}

{Don't listen to her, master. Until today, it didn't prevent us from winning.}

"Yeah, it's true."

{Until luck leaves you.} Aurora pointed out.

{Can you shut up for a second?} May growled, starting to get mad.

As for an answer, Aurora looked away with a huff.

{Now now, May, no need to be mad at her. I suppose it's just her way to externalize her fears and stress.} Luna hypothesized.

{Sure. Like hell, I would be scared of anything.} Aurora retorted.

{Really? Not even having your master stop looking at you?}

Briefly having a cold sweat, Aurora looked at Luna with a funny and confused expression.

{Just saying.} the zoroark simply retorted before looking back in front of her.

"What did you mean by that?" Max asked, a bit confused as well.

{Nothing in particular.} Luna lied. {I guess it could mean you stop believing in her.}

"… Okay. Well, I suppose that unless she gives up herself, I never will." Max asserted.

{How chivalrous.} Luna replied, looking back at Aurora with a slightly arrogant smile.

{Whatever.} Aurora mumbled with a faint blush.

As they were walking, Max and the group passed in front of breakfast building and decided to go get a good meal before the big battle. Unfortunately for them, it was a human-only place, so they had to go look for somewhere else.

{That's so stupid. It's not like we take a lot of space.} Aurora complained angrily.

"Sorry to disappoint you girls." Max apologized.

{Tsk, you're not the one that made that stupid restriction.} the lucario reassured.

Even though they were quite surprised, Max, Luna, and May tried their best not to react to Aurora's attempt to be 'nice'. Before heading towards the colosseum, they agreed to search for a restaurant that is pokemon friendly so everyone could be filled. Luckily for them, the city was so touristic that it didn't take them long to find a good place. After they got in, Max could hear and see some pokeball light here and there, meaning that some other trainers got in with their pokemon. When assigned to a place, Max did the same with his team, except for Jade.

"Do you think she will agree to eat with us?" Max asked his team.

{I don't know what is going on in her head, so I can't really speak for her.} Bonny responded.

{Same for me.} Aurora agreed.

{Well, in my opinion, you won't know if you don't ask her.} Dusk proposed.

"I suppose." Max conceded before letting Jade out of her pokeball.

{… Where… Are we?} the pale gardevoir asked while looking around a bit nervously.

"In a safe place, don't worry. I was wondering if you would want to join us for breakfast."

After briefly looking at Max, Jade looked around once again while playing nervously with her fingers.

{I… don't know.}

"Come on Jade, you don't risk anything here." Max tried to reassure.

For a few seconds, Jade kept looking around.

"There's a lot of pokemon here if anything."

{… Looks like I don't have a choice.} Jade expressed while looking at Max with a slightly worried expression.

"You do have a choice, but it's true that I really wish that you could stay out of your pokeball and have fun."

{You still believe in that?}

"Yes."

{… Alright.} she finally complied.

"Awesome," Max added before all of them sat around the table.

As usual, Bonny insisted on sitting next to Max while Luna was facing him with Dusk next to her. Jade and Aurora were at the other end while May was sitting on Max's lap. Shortly after, a waitress arrived to take their orders. After she left and preventing Bonny from moving her paw too close to his member, Max took a look around himself. Unlike the other pokemon friendly restaurant, he already went to, every human so far in the building was accompanied by a pokemon. Then, his eyes landed on a normal gardevoir that was sitting with a female trainer further away. By how fast she turned her head, Max guessed that she was looking at him before shyly looking away while trying to hide her face.

{Looks like you're a very desirable male, master.} Bonny commented with her chin resting on one hand.

"Like I had a choice."

{I'm pretty sure you do, like, hiding your face or something.} Aurora commented with an annoyed tone.

{Hiding his face? Do you want him to not be there at all while you're at it?} Bonny rejoined.

{That could be an idea.} Aurora replied nonchalantly.

{Seriously?}

{Relax Bonny.} Luna intervened. {Can't really hold a grudge against her for being a bit jealous.}

{I suppose.} Bonny conceded with a small grin.

{Being jealous about what exactly?} the lucario demanded.

{You tell us.} the zoroark simply answered.

{Tell you what? That I still don't like him? I can, but I thought that you all knew it by now.}

For some reason and unknowingly to Max, Aurora always seemed to be on the defensive when on that subject. He however didn't go further than thinking that she was just appreciating him more than she was saying herself and didn't want the others to know about it.

*Sigh* {If you say so.} Bonny gave up, already knowing the truth anyway. {What about you, Jade?} she asked the gardevoir.

{W-what?} the green pokemon exclaimed, a bit caught by surprise.

{What do 'you' think about our master? Don't you think he's simply the best?}

{He-hemmm…} Jade nervously stammered, shyly looking at the table.

"Please, Bonny, don't harass her."

{I'm not. I'm just asking a simple question. She's free to not answer.}

{I must admit that I'm rather curious about the question myself.} Luna followed.

{Me too.} May exclaimed.

{Hemm…} Jade stammered again.

Instantly, Jade felt everyone's gaze landing on her. Embarrassed and uncomfortable, she looked around as if she could find a way to escape.

{I…} she started as the team looked at her silently. {I… I suppose he's… not a bad human.} she nervously told.

{Only that? I kind of expected more.} Bonny shared, slightly disappointed.

{For me, not really. I mean, qualities are hard to find with that one.} Aurora expressed.

{You don't even find him attractive? Or just good-looking?} Bonny asked.

{Well…} Jade hesitated before briefly looking at Max. {I… don't really know a lot about humans, so…}

{There's no need to know about them to see if they're staggering ugly or not.}

For another few seconds, Jade stared at the group that was waiting for an answer. Getting more and more uncomfortable, she decided to get this done.

{I… guess he's not… ugly.} she finally admitted.

{… See master, even she thinks you're handsome.} Bonny said to Max after being a bit surprised by the answer.

"Don't exaggerate, she said I wasn't ugly, which could also mean that I'm not pretty either." Max corrected, a bit embarrassed.

{Geez, you can't take a compliment, can you?} Bonny replied a bit desperately.

After maybe an hour later, everyone had eaten and left the building.

{Is it me or is Jade getting more accustomed to us?} May wondered as they were walking down the streets.

{You noticed too? I think Max's warmth is starting to get to her. I think I even saw her smile at some point.} Luna pointed out.

"Really? I didn't notice anything."

{Hehe, sorry to say that, but I guess it's because you're a male.}

"And what is that supposed to mean?"

{Hey! That's my line.} Aurora complained, making May and Luna giggle.

"… Well, I suppose she does."

[Remember that she won't stay in the group, master, so don't get used to it too much.] Scarlet said in his head.

"… Yeah," Max mumbled.

{What was that?} Aurora asked, faintly hearing him.

"Nothing. I was just hoping for our victory."

{Eh, as if we'll lose.}

{Don't get ahead of yourself too much, young one. Remember that it never goes well.} Luna pointed out.

{I can do it. All I have to do is to attack relentlessly without exposing myself too much.}

{And listen to Master.} May added.

{If he ever comes up with a good idea, I'll think about it. Otherwise, until he ever fights for himself in there, he won't know what a real battle is.}

{You know that he already fought pokemon before, right?}

{And pretty much lost every time. Even Bonny beats him.}

{What do you mean 'even Bonny'?} May asked, defending her friend.

{I must admit that she's pretty strong, but she's still just a normal type.}

{That lopunny has more potential and strength than you think.} Luna clarified. {I don't remember seeing you beating her.}

{That's because we never really fought.}

"And what about her mega evolution?" Max inquired.

{Tss, that's pretty much cheating, so it doesn't really count.}

{Why you-}

"Okay, that's enough. Aurora, I would really appreciate it that you don't talk like that about Bonny, okay?"

{Tsk, whatever.}

"She's my friend as well as yours."

{Your friend? Didn't know friendship included mating.}

"Well, she's a friend and more."

*Hmpf* {That's why your friendship doesn't interest me that much. Who knows what you might try to do.}

At some point, Max knew that everything he would say will only provide fuel for her, so he decided to stop arguing and let her complain alone. A lot of steps later, they finally arrived in front of the colosseum from yesterday. Already at this time of the day, people were entering the building. Upon seeing how many were entering and the size of the colosseum, Max began to feel a lot of pressure.

{Don't worry, little pup.} Luna reassured while putting a hand on one of his shoulders as if she sensed it. {There's nothing to be afraid of.}

"You think? I mean, if I lose, everyone will laugh at me."

{Pretty sure that gym leader wins a lot of time, so if it ever happens, I don't think so.}

"… I suppose. I'm a bit nervous because I don't have any pokemon that have an advantage against water type."

{Didn't you say yourself that type doesn't define the winner?} Aurora recalled.

"Yeah, but… you're right. I shouldn't think too much about it."

{Exactly.} Luna confirmed.

"Alright, let's go then." Max called while making his way towards the entrance.

After waiting a couple of minutes in a line, Max was now in front windowed ticket office.

"Hi!" the woman behind the glass wished.

"Hi. Is it here we go to participate?"

"You wish to challenge the gym leader?"

"Yes."

"Then yes."

"How much does it cost?"

"For a challenger, it costs nothing. You will even get a little prize for participating. If the gym leader feels generous and if you enflamed the public, she may even give you a little extra."

"That's great."

"Fortunately for you, we had a cancellation for today, so you will be able to battle today, otherwise, it will have gone to the next week."

"Next week?!" Max exclaimed.

"Yes. Miss Dulshin is a quite coveted gym leader, so it makes her a very busy person with a quite loaded schedule."

"I see. I suppose that she take breaks at weekend."

"Exactly. So, a ticket for one challenger?"

"Yes. Also, is it possible for my team to watch me? They kind of like cheering me."

"Certainly. The battlefield's entrance for the challengers has a small area for family or friends. Everyone knows that a battle in front of many people can be stressful. Some of them, just like you, let out their other members of their team." she explained while making the ticket for Max.

"That's quite cool actually."

"Miss Dulshin believes that a comfortable and well-served challenger is a better challenger."

"She seems to be quite someone."

"She is. You'll see that when you'll fight her. Here." she replied before giving Max his ticket. "The entrance for the challenger is that way." she indicated while pointing to her left.

"Okay, thank you."

"But since the challenger show is only in the afternoon, maybe you want to get in later."

"The challenger show?"

"That's just what Dulshin calls the show where she fights those who want their badges."

"Oh, I see," Max replied before leaving the counter.

{That gym leader human intrigues me quite a lot.} Luna shared.

"Yeah. I wonder how she looks."

{It doesn't matter, we're still gonna beat her.} Aurora asserted.

{Well, with a team constituted of you, May, and Bonny, you should have a fair battle.} Luna pointed out.

"Maybe, but she's still a gym leader. I still remember how much trouble we had against a grass-type gym leader, even with Dusk."

{I do too. One more hit at the end and I would have made us lose.} May pointed out.

"But you didn't. You're a tough mawile, May." Max praised, gently rubbing her head.

{Hehe, stop it.} she replied, embarrassed.

"So, what do you girls want to do in the meantime?"

{Well, I kind of want to see how she fights.} Luna answered.

"I admit that I do too. What about you, May and Aurora?"

{I'll go wherever you go.} May responded.

"Is it because you love me or because you're literally on me?"

{Hmm, both?}

"Well answered. Aurora?"

{You do whatever you want.} the lucario replied.

{Sounds like a yes to me.} Luna shared.

{Mind your own business.} Aurora rejoined, with Luna giggling a bit afterward.

"Alright," Max replied before heading towards the entrance once again.

"Yes?" the woman as before asked.

"How much it is to see the show as well?"

"Normally, we have three tickets. One for the morning show only, one for the challenger show only, and one for both."

"The price?"

"$40 for the show, $50 for the battles, and $70 for both."

"… Okay."

"However, since you're a challenger yourself, we'll only charge you the morning show ticket."

"Does that mean I can't see the challenger show?"

"Not at all. With your challenger ticket, you're free to watch the battles for free. We're all aware that some people want to know who they are dealing with."

"True."

"Depending on the number on your ticket, we don't recommend you to do so."

"Why?"

"If you have a number higher than five, you're able to watch two or three battles before being called. However, most challengers want to use that time to recheck their strategy or to calm down some anxious pokemon."

"I see," Max replied before taking his ticket out. "I have the number three."

"Then I recommend you to watch one battle. Every battle is scheduled to last a maximum of half an hour, so we can pass eight challengers every day. If you really want to see the second one, you should at least leave fifteen minutes before it ends so you can be all set when called."

"Sounds good to me."

"Wonderful. So, a ticket for the morning show?"

"Yes please."

"That will be $80 please?"

"Eighty?" Max repeated.

"Is your friend also gonna watch?" the woman asked while looking at Luna.

"Oh, right. My two pokemon here also want to see it, so is it more expensive?"

"A ticket assures you place in the colosseum. If your lucario and your friend want a place each, that's gonna cost $120."

"And my mawile?"

"Since she can technically sit on you, we won't charge."

"Oh, so we really pay for the chair."

"Yes."

"I see. Hmm, I really want you two to see too, but…"

{I get it, just put me in my pokeball.} Aurora said, slightly annoyed. {I didn't want to see it anyway.}

"Come on now, $120 isn't that-" Max started before being interrupted by Luna.

Facing her, Max saw her using two fingers, as for saying to buy only two.

"Seriously? You're the one that wanted to see it the most."

Instead of protesting, Luna only smiled at him.

"Are you sure?" he asked one last time, only to receive a nod. *sigh* "Fine. Two tickets I guess."

"Certainly." the woman replied before both she and Max exchange money and ticket. "Have fun."

"Thanks."

As Max and the group were leaving towards the huge front doors of the colosseum, Luna pulled him aside, away from any gaze.

"What is it, Luna?"

Not responding, Luna only glowed briefly before changing herself into a small riolu.

"A riolu? Why?" Max inquired, a bit confused.

{The two tickets you bought are for you and Aurora. You, May, and I will share the same seat.}

"… That's… quite clever." Max praised.

{At least someone have a minimum of intellect here.} Aurora spat.

{Really?} Luna replied, looking at her with a grin.

{What?} the lucario retorted provocatively.

{I think it's the first time you ever say something nice to me.}

{I-I didn't.} Aurora rejoined, looking away. {It just makes a change of pace to be with someone that isn't braindead. Anyway, from all pokemon, why a riolu? Is it to mock me?}

{Not at all, rest assured. I just like to transform into bipedal pokemon. With you next to me, a riolu was the first thing that came to my mind.}

{That, was a dumb idea.}

{Hehe, why? Am I not a cute riolu?} Luna asked, making Aurora huff in displeasure. {What about you, little pup? I thought you liked the riolu family.}

"What? Hem, well, I sure can't say I dislike it." Max answered with a very faint blush while avoiding Aurora's gaze.

{Hehe. You're welcome.} Luna whispered to Aurora before moving next to Max.

{What was that?} the jackal pokemon asked.

{Nothing. What are we waiting for, little pup? The show must be about to begin soon.}

"I don't know about that, but the sooner we go, the more chance we have to get good seats."

{Also that.}

With now the mawile on his back and Luna walking next to him, Max turned around and headed once again to the doors of the building.

(Does she… no, not a chance.) Aurora thought for a few seconds before catching up to Max.

Passing the front doors that were all open for visitors, Max and the group came across five gates that were looking like those in the metros, but a lot bigger.

{What is that?} May asked.

"Pretty sure to prevent people from passing without paying."

When next to it, Max noticed that only one person could pass at a time.

"Alright, that should be here," he mumbled before putting his ticket in a nearby slot.

Instantly, the gate made a brief unlocking noise.

"There we go. Just do the same and join me behind." Max instructed before giving Aurora her ticket and passing the gate.

Lightly sighing, Aurora did the same as Max and followed him on the other side. They then kept walking towards the exit that was a bit further and arrived in front of the arena.

"Wow!" Max exclaimed.

In the center of thousands and thousands of benches, were a gigantic aquarium-like zone with three platforms in the middle. One moderately big in the middle and two small ones on two sides of the water-filled squares. All of it seemed to be made out of concrete.

"So, this where it will happen."

{Not a really fair battlefield if you ask me.} Aurora commented.

"I agree. That arena really favors water-type pokemon."

{See that as a challenge.} Luna told.

{Says the girl that won't fight.} the lucario mumbled.

As Luna was looking funnily at Aurora, Max took a look around and saw that some people were already in their seats.

"Are we too early?" Max said to no one in particular while looking at his watch. "It's already 8:05. Maybe it doesn't start before nine."

{Good deduction, smarty.} Aurora nagged.

"I wonder where we are," Max mumbled while looking at his ticket. "Sector G, 10th row and 1st seat. Let's go see where it is."

After a few minutes of walking, the group reached their designated places.

"Sweet. We're right at the edge, so we'll never bother anyone."

{But it also means we'll always be bothered.} Aurora pointed out.

"I don't mind. After you, me lady."

Rolling her eyes, Aurora passed in front of Max before sitting in the seat next to his. After doing the same, Max let out a very low sigh.

"Finally. We're just a couple of Meters away from my fourth badge."

{You should watch carefully, little pup.} Luna started, sitting on one lap while May was doing the same on the other one. {It might help you win.}

"True. It just sucks that Bonny can't be here. Do you think I can go back to get another ticket?"

{Don't bother.} Aurora intervened. {At worst, May and I will tell her the gym leader's strategy.}

"Good thinking. Thanks." Max thanked, quickly petting her before she could push him away.

{Rhaa.} she grunted.

For a while, Max and his team waited while chatting until nine o'clock finally. At this point, the colosseum was more filled than earlier, but maybe at only half its capacity with not much around him.

"Pretty sure it's about to start," Max commented, looking at his watch.

{Thank god. If I were to hear one of your bad puns again…} Aurora growled.

"Why? My jokes are absol-utely terrific."

{That's it, I'm strangling you!} the lucario bawled before trying to choke him from her sitting position.

As Max was defending himself against the jackal pokemon laughing, he saw something moving in the depth of the water. A couple of seconds later, a metallic bridge emerged from the water and linked one of the edges to the center platform.

"Settle down, Aurora, it's about to begin."

*Hmpf* {I'm gonna get you later.} Aurora huffed before stopping her assault.

{Get him?} May repeated with a wide grin.

{Not. That way.} Aurora corrected abruptly.

{Hihihi.}

Quickly, the colosseum went more and more silent until the place was almost devoid of any noises. When that was the case, Max's surroundings were so silent that he could hear high heel-like footsteps coming from the side that didn't have benches but a wide-open two-piece door. With everyone staring at the doors intently, someone in a quite flashy white swimsuit shaped like an X walked to the center of the stage. Max couldn't see the details very clearly, but the person seemed to be a woman with very long red hair that was pushed to one side of her head, hiding a small part of her face. At first glance, no one could say that she was out of shape. When she stopped at the middle, she looked around a moment as if she was inspecting her audience.

"… Welcome everyone." the woman started with a voice that was resonating everywhere from the giant speakers all over the place. "I'm pleased to see that so many of you take some of your time to come to see the spectacular show of Miss Dulshin."

{The least we can say is that she seems very comfortable doing this.} Luna commented.

"I know, right." Max agreed.

"… I promise you all that you won't be disappointed. Without any further waiting, let the show, begin!" the gym leader, known as Dulshin, called with a raised fist before two dragonair jumped from the water above her from opposite directions before diving once again, making the crowd applaud.

"That looks promising," Max told, getting excited.

{I agree.} Luna replied with May cheering next to her.

Until eleven, Dulshin made the most appealing and eye glimmer show he ever saw. On land as well as in the water, she was dancing with her many water-type pokemon, using tricks and combined moves to make impressive fireworks. To no one's surprise, her milotic was the center of the show and the attention. As Luna stated that she was beautiful and strong-looking, Max mostly stopped at the beauty part. Water-types surely wasn't his favorite type one due to them being mostly crabs or turtles but didn't dislike it because of some exceptions like this one. The way she was moving was so gracious with a slight touch of arrogance, just to tell that she knew what she was doing and was good at it. At one point, Max wasn't sure if she noticed him before winking at him, but when Luna and May confirmed it, he went full-embarrassed mode, to Aurora's dismay.

"Thank you, everyone. See you tomorrow for my next performance." Dulshin announced while waving at her public as well as her pokemon. "Come back for the afternoon 'gym leader show'. Be back at one." she concluded before leaving the stage.

"That was incredible!" Max exclaimed after the pokemon disappeared into the water.

{Totally!} May agreed enthusiastically. {They were like *Poff!* *Splash!* and *Shooouuu!*}

"Haha, yeah, I got you. What about you, Aurora? Did you like it?"

{It was… okay, I suppose.}

"Come on now, don't tell me you didn't find it amazing."

{Not that much.} the lucario answered, looking grumpy.

"Sometimes, I really don't get you." Max retorted before standing up.

{Don't be too harsh on her, little pup. She's just mad at that milotic.} Luna pointed out.

"Huh? Why?"

{I'm not!} Aurora protested fiercely. {She was just looking annoying as hell with that stupid smile on her face. Geez, it's like she thinks she is important by splashing around in an aquarium.}

{Yep, totally mad.} May bugged a little.

{Fuck off, all of you.} Aurora growled.

"Hehe, I agree that she was a bit ahead of herself, but by how she moved, she has the right to brag a little about it."

{Tss, whatever.}

"What about a little snack to make you forget about her?"

{… I suppose it could work.} Aurora conceded with a small blush.

{You know what they say about brutes, always follows their stomach.} Luna teased.

{What did you call me?} Aurora rejoined.

"Luna, that was pretty mean of you." Max scolded.

{Sorry, it was too easy.}

{Pfff, I'm sure 'you're' the easy one.} the jackal pokemon mumbled.

{Depends on who's my prey.} Luna shot back while looking at Max with the corner of one eye.

With Aurora sighing in desperation and a bit angrily, the group exited the show zone to go look for a place to get a snack. Unfortunately, they had to exit the building and get past the gates if they wanted a little something. However, they didn't have to go far as there was a snacking area nearby, already occupied by some customers.

"I'm pretty sure Bonny and Dusk are a bit hungry too." Max pointed out before letting them out.

{Alright master, I'm-}

As soon as she was out, Bonny went into a fighting position, only to realize mid-sentence that wasn't in a fight.

"Calm down, Bonny, we're not facing the gym leader yet. We're just here to eat a little something."

{… Oh. S-sorry.} Bonny replied with a very embarrassed expression.

"Hehe, no need to. However, I promise next time it will be for the fight, but before that, let's get you a good lunch."

{I wouldn't say no to that, hehe.} Bonny nervously laughed.

"Good. Can you girls go get us a table while I order?"

After everyone agreed and left him, Max went to the line-up and waited for a couple of minutes until he got everyone something to eat.

"Here you go, girls," Max announced while giving a plate to everyone.

{Hope it didn't cost too much.} Bonny shared.

"Luna found us a pretty good amount of money, so if I'm careful, we should be alright. Anyway, as soon as we're done here, it will be free and fresh meals every day. It sure doesn't have the finesse of a well-prepared meal, but it has the benefit of being economical."

{A meal cooked with the heart always tastes better, am I right?} Luna affirmed, still in her riolu form.

"True. Seeing Dusk or Scarlet coming with a handmade plate, always made my heart flutter a little."

{Khe, cheesy as shit.} Aurora commented.

{For once, I agree with her.} Bonny replied before the group shared a small laugh.

While eating and even after that, the team chatted for a while, talking mostly about strategies they could use against Dulshin.

"Whatever may be the plan, the thing you must avoid at all cost is going in the water." Max debated. "If you do, it's game. Not only can none of you breathe underwater, but you can't outmatch a water pokemon there."

{Tsk, if only I had mastered Ice Punch.} Bonny growled a little.

"Don't hit your own head, Bonny, it's not that much of a problem. We have other ways to win."

{I know, but it's just very frustrating since I trained a lot. I'm starting to wonder if I can even master it.}

"The pokedex says that you can."

{I hope it's not outdated then.}

"It shouldn't be."

{Anyway, shouldn't it be time to head back there?} Luna pointed out.

"Indeed," Max confirmed after looking at his watch. "We have a couple of minutes left, but I don't mind getting ready early."

Standing up, Max cleaned up the table and headed to the colosseum with Luna, May, and Aurora, just like earlier.

{Let's see now how she fights.} Luna expressed.

"Me too, but I have a question, however."

{Hm?}

"Why do you want to see a fight that much?"

{I don't have the right?}

"No, of course, you do." Max reassured quickly. "I'm just-"

{Hehe, I'm just kidding. To be honest, I see how you all enjoy battles, so if I want to give it a try one day, might as well start to see how it goes.}

"... Good thinking."

{I have seen some of your battles with other humans, but I know that those 'gym leader battles' are something else.}

"It does. Most of the time, trainers in a battle have mostly the same experience, but gym battles are really another pair of gloves. Your opponents have more experience and have refined their strategies over time. Those battles force trainers to go over their limit."

{... I see. Well, I guess that the more you learn.}

"It will also help the team, the trainer as well as the pokemon, to understand what they lack, improving everyone's efficiency."

{As long as we can kick asses...} Aurora commented.

"Like usual, I would say that battling isn't about winning, but I do like to win myself, so I more or less agree with you."

{... Really now?} Aurora replied, looking at him a bit funnily.

"What? It's not because I don't battle to be the best that I don't want to win at all."

*Hmpf* {Maybe you're not a stuck-up coward as much as I thought after all.}

"Really?"

{Coming from her, you should take it as a compliment.} May pointed out.

"I see that we think the same way." Max retorted, briefly petting her.

{Take it whatever way you want.} Aurora growled a little.

"Wow. Do I have choices now? Damn, things are getting better and better."

As the girls and Max were laughing a bit, Aurora let out a mix of sigh and growl in desperation. After using his ticket again at the gates, Max and the girls were at their previous places a couple of minutes later. Quickly, Max noticed that the audience was smaller and mostly younger.

"The age range dropped quite a lot." Max pointed out.

{No big surprise if you say that pokemon battles are less popular than before.} Aurora replied.

"Hey, maybe it has become too mainstream being a trainer nowadays."

{From what I've learned from humans, they quickly grow tired over something and always want novelty.} Luna shared.

"Isn't it the same thing with pokemon?"

{To some extent, yes. I won't hide the fact that we also grow tired of old things every now and then, but not as much as humans.}

*Hmpf* "Being the bad guy here again." Max grumbled, a bit upset.

{Hehe, I have to admit that humans don't have that much of a good reputation amongst those who observed them a little.}

"I thought that pokemon liked us, which is why they like traveling with one."

{Oh, I didn't say that it was that bad, but not as good as you humans may think. More than often, we have encountered bad ones, but we're aware that good ones exist. I'm not proud to say that, but some pokemon want to go with humans only to get stronger.}

"I know that, and I also know they, at some point, grow attached to their trainer and revise themselves."

{True, but what you don't know is that only a small part of them indeed do.}

"... Ah." Max complied.

{However, I'm not omniscient, so I may be wrong somewhere. After all, it's all based on a couple of observations I made.}

"Well, from what I've seen myself, I can't really argue with that." Max conceded while petting May's head. "I always thought that if humans aren't that vile it's because we're scared of you."

*Hpmf* {Can't really blame them. Humans are no match for us, in any way.} Aurora bragged a little.

"True, sadly," Max added, still petting May, who was looking with a slightly worried expression.

{In any case, if they know their place and don't try funny stuff, they don't have much to fear from us.} Aurora affirmed.

Even though it was said in the 'Aurora way', Max couldn't help but think that she attempted to reassure him. Looking at each other, May and Luna thought that even more. For a little while, they kept talking until Dulshin appeared once more in the center of the arena. A bit oddly, she was wearing a different outfit than earlier, looking like a mix of a swimsuit and a light training outfit.

"Welcome back everyone! It's always heartwarming to see that so many of you take the time to come here. However, the show and fun are unfortunately over, because it's time to fight. Please, give a round of applause for my first challenger of the day." Dulshin announced with her headset on one ear before pointing at the opposite side of the arena.

With the crowd applauding, a rather confident-looking girl stepped into the arena.

"This time, the badge is mine." the girl confidently affirmed.

"I like to see so much energy this early. However, don't think I'll hand over my badge that easily. Pity is not me. Good luck." Dulshin replied before both of them walked to their respective battle stand.

{I wonder which pokemon the girl will choose.} May wondered.

"If it's not her first try, probably a pokemon that have a type advantage on water type pokemon."

{I don't think it's wise to do that.} Luna affirmed.

"Why?" Max asked while the challenger was reaching for a pokeball

{Never use your best card right off the bat.}

*Hmpf* {Even I know that.} Aurora expressed.

"True, unless she has three pokemon strong against water type."

{That wouldn't be very smart.} May expressed.

"It depends, but I mostly agree."

"Let's best her, Zappy." the challenger exclaimed before letting out an electabuzz.

{Let's do it!} the electabuzz growled, looking pumped out with sparks running across his body.

"An electabuzz? That's new." Dulshin commented, almost looking amused.

"I caught him a few weeks ago so I can beat you."

"So 'you' can beat me? I see." Dulshin expressed with a raised eyebrow. "In that case, I shall match him with." she continued before letting out a kingler from a blue-colored pokeball.

{That's an odd pokeball she have there.} Luna commented.

"Yeah. I wonder what kind it is." Max agreed right before the battle started.

{Maybe one that lets you have a more peaceful time.} Aurora theorized.

"Eh, it would be nice to have that. I guess that tells how caring she is with her pokemon."

*Hpmf* {It doesn't change the fact she's arrogant as hell.}

"Arrogant? Why?"

{Did you see how she acted when the other human told her she would win? She's a bit ahead of herself by thinking the fight is already won.}

"Well, she looks quite strong, so I suppose that she believes in her strength. However, I don't think she reacted that way for that reason."

{And I suppose that you know the real reason?} Aurora replied a bit arrogantly herself.

"Remember how that girl said 'I' will win instead of 'we'?"

{So?}

"It's clear that she thinks way more about victory than her own team. I believe that that's the kind of people that see pokemon more as a tool than a partner."

{Which isn't your case, right little pup?} Luna affirmed with a small grin.

"Of course not. Pokemon are living beings that have emotions and rational thoughts. They have the right to be treated with respect and love." Max replied, gently petting her little riolu head.

{This world definitely needs more humans like you, don't you agree, Aurora?} Luna said while looking at the lucario with the corner of one eye.

{What? You're kidding, right? This world would be doomed if idiots like him were to roam around all over the place.}

{Hey! That was mean.} May defended.

{Would that be such an awful world if humans were kind and caring like him? Can you imagine it, May, being petted and respected all day long?} Luna nagged a little

{Brhe! Horrible.} May followed, playing along.

{And I don't even talk about acceptance.} the zoroark continued while looking at Aurora a bit arrogantly.

{Grha! Alright!} Aurora growled. {I admit that he's not a complete douche, but he's still a clueless idiot.}

*Hmpf!* {Your loss.} May retorted, slightly upset.

{So unlucky.} Aurora argued.

"Okay, why not stop here and enjoy the show a little." Max intervened before they go further.

{Whatever.} Aurora concluded, wanting the last word.

After Max prevented a fight, the one in the arena was going on. Both pokemon were exchange hits here and there. Due to his superior speed, the electabuzz dodged every attack the kingler was throwing at him.

"I must admit that your electabuzz is far from being slow." Dulshin praised.

"That's their main attribute, even though we mainly trained his special attack. Show them Zappy." the challenger commanded.

As soon as the electabuzz was sparking, Dulshin snapped her fingers, making the kingler quickly jump in the water, dodging that fast incoming Thunderbolt.

"Ah! Right where I wanted you!" the challenger bawled. "Zappy, Zap Cannon right at him."

Immediately, the electrical pokemon charged an electric ball in his hands before tossing it at the water. To her shock, the kingler's head emerged from the water, looking perfectly fine.

"W-what?" The challenger exclaimed. "How? He was in the water and everything."

"Don't be so down, it was good thinking. However, you should know that this water is no ordinary water." Dulshin informed.

"How?"

"Water alone is not conductive, it's the minerals in it that makes it that way."

"... What does that mean?"

"You're surrounded by distilled water, so that means that your electric moves won't work in there."

"... Shit!" the challenger growled.

"You're not the first one to make that mistake, so cheer up." Dulshin tried to reassured.

"Haha, she got scammed like a newbie." someone near Max said to another.

"Since electric move won't be that effective, her best bet would be to use ice ones," Max commented.

{Or grass.} May added.

"I hope she has at least one."

"Show them a strong torrent," Dulshin commanded.

Upon hearing his master, the kingler emerged his head from the pool before unleashing a powerful Hydro Pump that pushed the electabuzz right into the water.

"He's done." Another person said nearby, Max.

"No pokemon have the advantage against a water type in this condition." the one next to him added.

As soon as the electabuzz came back to his sense, he tried to swim back to land. However, he barely swam one meter before the kingler surprise attacked him from below with his bigger pincer aglow, jumping out of the water. When he was around five or six feets above the water, the kingler violently tossed his opponent on the only hard floor he could fight (Crab Hammer).

"Khra." the kingler growled after landing close to the electric pokemon.

Even though the shock was rather intense, the electabuzz stood up with moderate difficulty.

"Your pokemon is quite resilient, I'll give him that," Dulshin commented with a slightly arrogant smile. "However, he cruelly lacks speed. Let's finish this."

Taking it as an order, the kingler then went for Charge at the yellow pokemon.

"Ah! You think we're scared? Show him that we're not, Zappy."

{Hell no!} The electabuzz growled before placing himself to receive the hit.

Like a footballer, Zappy the electabuzz endured the blow and only moved backward a couple of inches.

"I see that he's pretty strong as well, but... it still won't be enough. Prince, a little shower please."

After giving the yellow pokemon a brief and mischievous grin, the kingler exalted a strong stream of water, making Zappy eat a Hydro Pump right at the face. Again, he was propelled against the pool wall before falling into it. This time however, he emerged from the water on his back, fainted.

"Nice fight you put up there." Dulshin encouraged a bit cockily.

"Ghraa!" The challenger growled. "I'm not done yet." she angrily added before retrieving the electabuzz with her pokeball.

"I hope so." Dulshin retorted, having way more fun than her challenger.

Her next pokemon was a hitmonchan. This time, the challenger managed to put more of a fight against the kingler, landing a few good hits. However, the kingler beat his opponent once again. Not amused at all, she bring in the battlefield her last pokemon, a magnezone. With the ability to hover, the magnezone managed to beat the kingler without too much trouble.

"Ah! Take that!" The challenger bawled with a satisfied grin.

"Good fight. Your pokemon have a really good advantage by flying, alongside being an electric type. I must admit that he might be quite troublesome." Dulshin praised.

"Giving up?" The challenger arrogantly proposed.

"Give up? Now now, no need to get bitter." Dulshin slightly scolded with a smile. "That won't be much of a show if I give up, don't you think? Whatever you throw at me, I'll never back down, and neither does my next partner."

From another pokeball, Dulshin released a poliwrath, looking really intimidating.

"A poliwrath huh? Piece of cake. Go Irony."

Despite her best effort, the challenger, unfortunately, loses her battle, even though she almost beat Dulshin's poliwrath.

"I can't believe it? I lost again…" the challenger complained after retrieving her last fainted pokemon.

"Don't be too harsh on yourself young girl. Your team is pretty strong, but you still haven't learned how to work with them and use their potential properly. Before challenging me again, you should work a bit on that." Dulshin lectured.

"… I'll try." the challenger replied, looking a bit devastated.

Done with the half of an hour battle five minutes earlier, Dulshin saluted her public before withdrawing herself in her quarter for a break.

"Damn! That gym leader isn't here to play." Max commented, a bit astonished by Dulshin performance.

{Indeed. It's like her whole person speaks experience.} Luna agreed.

"Yeah, I even start to wonder if we can actually beat her."

{Please master, don't lose hope.} May intervened. {I'm sure we can beat her.}

"You think?"

{Yes. We've trained so much for this.}

{Like hell I would let that arrogant human beat us.} Aurora growled a little. {I can't wait to brush that grin off her face.}

{Surely she already have been beaten before, so I'm convinced it won't make much of a difference for her.} Luna pointed out.

{Whatever, I'm still not letting them have the win here.}

"That's... kind of the spirit I guess," Max said, not sure how to feel about this. "In any case, we should head to the challenger zone to get ourselves ready, wherever it may be."

{Why not ask someone?} May proposed.

"I suppose we'll have to."

At that, Max and his pokemon left the building to find themselves in front of it, outside.

"Excuse me." Max started while getting close to the ticket stand. "Where is the place for the challengers please?"

"At my right." The stand-girl answered while pointing to her right. "Just keep walking until you see a door with a panel on it written 'challenger'".

"Okay, thanks." Max thanked before heading to the instructed direction.

A few minutes later, Max arrived at the said door written 'challenger' on it.

"Alright, there we go." Max mumbled before passing through it.

Inside and right next to the door, there was a small counter with a man sitting behind it.

"Ticket, please," he asked with a not so polite tone.

Not answering back, Max only gave him the ticket before starting to head towards the hallway.

{Eh, looks like someone doesn't like his job.} Aurora commented.

"You tell me, but I admit that it must be boring as hell, staying here doing nothing."

{He might as well fight in the arena himself against pokemon if he wants spice in his life.}

"Pretty extreme for an example."

{That or picking berries, I don't know.}

"One day Aurora, I'm gonna tell you more about humans."

{I know plenty enough about them already.}

As they were walking, Max came across two doors that were respectively the men and women bathroom before arrived in front of another that was written 'challengers' again.

{At least, we can't get lost.} Luna commented.

Opening the door, Max saw a moderately modest rec room filled with chairs, couches, and a TV screen. Not so much to his surprise, a few trainers were already here. Max didn't know if today was exceptional, but most of the trainers were female. At first, he got a little uncomfortable, but soon enough remembered that they were all human, so he didn't get as much attention as if they were pokemon. Briefly looking at him, they quickly got back to their own business.

"Quite the change of pace," Max mumbled.

{What?} Aurora asked, not hearing what he said.

"Nothing, don't pay attention."

{... Alright. Doing the usual then.}

"Pretty much," Max replied before gently petting her head, with which she retorted with a low growl, oddly, not pushing his hand away. "Well, I suppose that now we wait."

{I'm surprised that you didn't propose to molest one of us.}

"Why? Would you have liked that?"

{Over my dead body.} the jackal pokemon replied.

{Maybe that's the way he likes it.} Luna jested.

{That wouldn't surprise me one bit with a beast like him.} Aurora half agreed.

{If Bonny were here, she would have said "he is a beast and we all love it".} May pointed out.

"And thanks to you, it was said anyway." Max replied with a smile before putting her down. "Now..." he started whispering. "I know there are no pokemon around, but keep the dirty talk contained, please."

{Okay.} May acknowledged.

{I'll try my best.} Luna answered with a mischievous grin.

{A break from being constantly on the edge to puke? You bet I will.}

"Great. As long as everyone agrees, I'm fine." Max affirmed before starting to look around for a place to sit.

The best spot to sit was the couch right in front of the TV but was unfortunately full. The other one that had the second-best view over the screen was only occupied by a girl with a light emo style on her cellphone, probably texting. She was mainly dressed in black and mid long blue hair. If Max wasn't into pokemon, it would have been his kind of girl. Having no other place and guessing she wouldn't mind if he sits as far as possible from her, Max headed towards the couch.

{Looks like our little pup is going hunting.} Luna commented lowly.

{I don't think so.} May disagreed. {Scarlet would never allow that.}

{I thought that the human was the boss around here.} Aurora commented.

{He is, well, kind of, but Scarlet already shared with us that he could do whatever he wants with anyone he wants, as long as it's not a human or another gardevoir.}

{And why is that?}

{Because she hates them.} Luna answered. {Even I understood that.}

{Well, he just dropped in my rankings. I thought he had more balls than that.}

{He doesn't agree to that because he's scared of her, but because he loves and respects her. You should try it someday.}

*Hmpf* The lucario huffed.

"... Mind if I sit here?" Max asked to the girl when at the other extremity of the couch.

"... I guess not." She responded, not leaving the screen of her cellphone.

"Thanks." Max replied before sitting.

Right here, he had a good visual on the TV, seeing Dulshin fighting her second challenger of the day.

"Quite the gym leader, am I right?"

"... I guess." The girl simply answered, briefly looking at the screen.

"I couldn't have known that you can be that strong with, well..."

"... Being a girl?" The girl finished with a very slight hostile tone.

"What? No, I meant to say with water types."

"... Okay," she replied. "Because girls can be as strong as men can."

"No doubt about it." Max conceded, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

"... And for your information, water type can be very strong if trained properly. Actually, every type can be."

"Seeing that Dulshin, I can't argue with that. Do you perhaps affectionate water type particularly?"

"My best pokemon friend is a water type."

"Really? What pokemon is he?"

"She's a lapras."

"Oh, a lapras, nice choice. Those pokemon are indeed pretty."

"... I don't know, she's just the one that is there for me, that's all." she said after a short and awkward silence.

"Of course." Max replied, feeling quite embarrassed.

Not far from him, Luna was in a corner with the others and half trying to hide a small laugh. For a moment, Max was finding the moment rather awkward and wanted to leave but told himself that it would be worse if he does.

"... But they indeed are a cute species." The girl added.

At this moment, Max wondered if she was actually being nice or she just couldn't bare him being that pathetic. Either way, he decided that it was best to stop it there.

"... Just for the principle of talking while I'm waiting, what is your main pokemon?" the girl asked after a short moment.

"Oh, well, I suppose you could say that it's Scarlet, my gardevoir."

"... A gardevoir guy I see." she replied while looking a bit suspiciously.

"Yeah, well, it's the first pokemon I've encountered when I left my hometown."

"Really?" Max's interlocutor commented skeptically while returning her eyes to her cellphone.

"She was injured after a fight with a beedrill swarm. I helped her and, well, you know, one thing brought another one."

"... I see. I just hope you're not one of those freaks that get one just to satisfy some sick and perverted fantasy."

"... People do that?" Max exclaimed, quite surprised.

"What do you expect? You have to admit that gardevoir are pretty pokemon. Couple that with their very feminine and human-like appearance and you get a perfect target for losers that can't get a real human woman."

"... I guess, but I'm sure that some really like each other." Max tried to defend.

"Probably. Pokephilia didn't appear yesterday, so surely happy couples happened here and there."

"What are your thoughts about it?"

"Honestly, I find it kind of gross, but if everyone is happy with that, whatever."

"I see. Anyway, pokemon must always be consent. I can hardly imagine a human forcing one to do whatever they want."

"There are other ways than physically forcing someone to do something."

"How so?"

"Pokemon aren't that much different from human, you know. Psychological violence or manipulation are some examples. And that, we only speak about guys with female pokemon."

"Do we?"

"... Probably you have to, but I heard stories about male pokemon raping their girl trainer."

"Raping?"

"Yes."

"Are you sure about that?"

At that, the girl looked at him funny.

"... It happened to one of my friends." she replied, almost glaring at him.

"Oh, sorry. I suppose I was wrong there." Max apologized.

"Indeed, but I guess it's something frequent when you're naive."

Surely Max didn't like her last comment, but from what he said, she pretty much had the right to be upset.

"Is your friend alright? If you don't mind me asking."

"... She stopped being a trainer and doesn't want anything to do with pokemon anymore. Other than that, she's trying to live a normal life."

"... Okay. Sorry again. I hope your friend will be alright."

*Hpmf* "Just be careful next time." She responded before standing up. "Let me just tell you that this world isn't pretty as it may look like. A lot of things happen when no one's looking, and mostly, things darker than we might think." She finished before leaving the room.

A few second after she left, Luna and the girls sat next to Max.

"Well, it could have been worse."

{It could have been a lot better too.} Aurora commented.

Not answering, Max only looked away a bit in shame.

{Now now, young one, no need to be harsh. Our little pup is better with pokemon, that's all.}

*Hmpf* {Depends with which one.} Aurora retorted.

At that, even Luna wondered in which way she was saying that, but had a pretty good idea of the reason.

"Anyway, we're not here to make friends, right? We're here to kick the gym leader's ass."

{Of course!} May agreed after sitting on his lap.

"I still don't know what to do against her, but I'll try to manage when there."

{Very encouraging.} Aurora commented.

{What would have changed if you haven't planned to listen to master anyway?} May defended.

{Not much, I tell you. I'll wait until he knows what he's doing before even considering working with him.}

{He knows what he's doing.} May argued.

{Sure he does.}

"Girls, please." Max intervened.

Not arguing anymore, May and Aurora only looked angrily, making Max sigh desperately.

{Can't have them all.} Luna pointed out with a small grin.

"Unfortunately."

Suddenly, Max felt a number one coming.

"Sorry, sweetie, nature is calling." Max announced before lifting his mawile.

{Okay.} The small pokemon said, sounding slightly disappointed.

After putting her down, Max headed towards the nearby restroom. Surprisingly, the restroom was rather small but quite clean. After closing the door, Max walking towards the toilet. After two steps, Max heard the door being locked.

"... Rather odd place to meet me," Max said after stopping, not even looking back.

[I'm surprised that you guessed it was me.]

"You're the only one that can appear behind me without a noise in an enclosed room." Max pointed out before turning around, seeing Scarlet laying her back against the restroom door.

[I see that your intellect is expanding. About time.] The gardevoir replied.

"Already teasing? I see you're feeling better."

[... I'm trying to... well, get along with what I did. I still hate myself for that, but I try to focus more on you and that you're still there. If I keep bashing myself like that, I'll just lose more than anything.]

"What will you lose?"

Before answering, Scarlet briefly stared at him before floating towards him to embrace him with a hug.

[Every second I spend with you is a treasure I want to cherish.]

"A bit cheesy, no?"

[I'm sharing my feelings with you, can you at least feign being concerned?] she retorted, sounding a bit upset.

"Sorry, my time with you also means a lot to me. How could it not be with the best gardevoir there is?"

*Hpmf* {I still wonder how you manage to do that.}

"Do what?"

{Knowing exactly what to say.} she answered after tightening her hug.

"Maybe I did become smarter, thanks to you."

[... Maybe. My expectations are still quite low.]

"How mean." Max jested.

[Really? Is there something I can do so you can forgive me?] Scarlet asked before starting to rub his chest.

"Horny already?"

[... More or less. I'm sorry for rejecting you yesterday. I-]

"You don't have to justify yourself, Scarlet. You're not my slave, alright? You want? Fine. You don't want? It's okay. That's why I don't like you calling me master. I'm starting to wonder if it begins to get in your head the wrong way."

[It's nothing like that. Whatever I may call you, I still will feel bad for rejecting you. I know how bad that feeling is.] she explained before grasping his shirt a bit stronger.

"Well, I didn't, if it can reassure you."

[Do you really mean it?]

"Yes."

[You're not saying that just to make me feel better?]

"No."

For a few seconds, Scarlet stared at Max's eyes before a smile appeared on her face.

[I love you so much.] she expressed before pressing her lips against his for half a minute.

"Same here." Max replied, stroking her red hair.

[I know, I can feel it from here.]

"You do?"

[Yes, and you know what else I can feel from here?]

"Tell me."

[That.] she responded with a lewd grin before gently grabbing his manhood.

"I'm always impressed how you can go from 0 to 100 within half a second."

[Does it scares you?] she asked before starting to rub his slowly hardening member.

"Maybe a little."

[Good.] She concluded before kissing him again and pushing him until she forced him to sit on the toilet.

"... You don't mind a place like this?"

[It's not the decoration that I want to look at.] Scarlet replied before beginning to work on his pants.

"My my, quite horny I see."

[I am since a little while ago, but I didn't have the head for that. Not having you didn't help either.]

"I suppose." Max conceded just before Scarlet pulled his pants down, revealing a semi erected surprise.

[I barely touched it and it's already like this? What a pervert.] Scarlet coaxed.

"What are you talking about? You know that I'm the complete opposite of a pervert."

[Tell that to someone that will actually half believe you. Are the others taking good care of you?] she demanded before grabbing the thing.

"Yes, don't worry, they do their job."

[Really? From the tension I feel here, I think they neglected their duty a little. Let me remedy that.]

With a perverted look and grin, Scarlet gave the shaft a few kisses before giving a long and very slow lick from base to top.

[Did I just taste precum already?] she demanded with a raised eyebrow.

"... I don't know." the human responded, feeling slightly embarrassed.

[You. Are. A. Lost cause.] she almost growled ecstatically while grabbing his shaft stronger again.

"Easy Scarlet, you don't want to crush it, don't you?"

[Maybe I do.] she replied with a mischievous grin while starting to pump him.

*Omph* "And I'm the perverted one."

[Yes you are, and I dare you to say otherwise.] she affirmed with a rather challenging tone.

"Why should I listen to you?" Max retorted, playing along.

Stopping for a second, Scarlet glared at Max almost arrogantly before taking half of his length in her mouth.

[Because I have your dick between my teeth and I'm quite eager to bite it.]

"... Fair enough." he conceded.

[Now, how about you shut the fuck up and enjoy it?] Scarlet asked.

"Good plan." Max conceded, already feeling goosebumps.

[Good boy.] she praised before moving down slowly and sensually.

When she took everything she could, she goes up sensually and looked into Max's eyes when on the tip. Without unlocking her gaze away from him, she went down again before moving up once more. She repeated the process a few times before finally looking away to focus more on the task at hand. Max was used to how good and sensual she is when it comes to pleasing him and he didn't know why, but there was something about her that was making her blowjob feel extra good. Maybe it was because it had been a long time since last she did it to him, or maybe it was because she was extra devoted today.

[Maybe a bit of both.] Scarlet answered his thoughts.

"Spying on my thoughts already?"

[You know I can't help it and that now I'm at a point that not reading your thoughts demands effort.]

"Is our bond really that deep?"

[Maybe even more. Aren't you feeling it?]

"I... suppose, yes. I do feel your love for me."

[That's true, it's weird how I often tend to forget that you're not a psychic.]

"Maybe it's a deep wish you have."

[You being a psychic?] she asked, receiving an interrogative expression from Max while stopping sucking to only play with the meat rod. [I... it would probably make a few things easier, that's for sure, and maybe that could be better for you in some ways.] she shared before she felt a very faint sadness feeling coming from Max. [But you know how I love you the way you are. I said it will be easier for a few things, but overall, I don't think I would like it.]

"Why not?"

[I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be able to endure another me.]

"I would." Max jested.

[Two girl on your dick may sound fun, but maybe you want to think twice about that.]

"Twice?"

[Imagine everything you have experienced so far with me two times. That sure means double blowjob or passionate intercourse, but also double punishment or killing machine.]

For a few seconds, Max managed to make a thoughtful face while being pleased with one gardevoir's hand.

"Come on now. With the benefits I get from that, it's no big deal, Scarlet. Damn, you sure know how to pop someone's mood."

[What can I say, I love making things burst.] she expressed before shoving Max's shaft as far as possible in one go, making Max moan in surprise and pleasure.

For a few minutes, Scarlet kept sucking and teasing him while preventing him from coming until she decided that he had suffered enough. Leaving the thing, she stood up and place her drooling womanhood right above it.

[Since it has been a while, I may have become a bit narrower.]

"Narrower? Like..."

[The first time we did? Yes, close to that. I'll be fair and will let you come whenever you want the first time. After that, I'll decided when.]

"I'm not worthy of your clemency."

[I know. That's why I'm the best.] Scarlet bragged a little while leaning forwards to kiss him, but not without making sure her soaking wet entrance was rubbing against his hard member. Quickly, Max grew impatient.

(Please Scarlet, stop making me wait.) he thought since he couldn't use his mouth.

[Eager as usual I see.]

(Because of whom do you think?)

[Don't accuse me of your own beast side.] she argued playfully before stopping kissing him. [If you didn't want to stick it in me in the first place, you should have said no.]

"You know I can't say no to a pretty girl like you," Max replied with lust-filled eyes.

[I do.] she answered back with a playful haughty smile. [Well, I suppose I've made myself wait long enough.] she added while probing her entrance with his tip.

After making sure Max's tool was slippery enough, she began to move down so it could push through her fleshy gates. Like she anticipated, she had shrunk very slightly but enough to force Scarlet to put more power to push. As soon as the bigger part went in, she grasps Max's shoulder pretty strongly with a gasp.

"You okay?" Max asked, a bit worried.

[Yes, don't worry. It just hurt a little, that's all.]

"Then maybe we should-" Max started before being interrupted by one of Scarlet's hands over his mouth.

[Sooner or later, we'll have to do it, so might as well go for the sooner before you can't enter anymore.] she explained with a slight painful face.

"But… you're in pain."

[Oh come on, you know I've been through worse. I just need a minute.]

*Sigh* "You and your stubbornness."

[Others see that as being too prideful, but personally, I see that as a way to survive. My stubbornness kept me alive.]

"That or just your will to survive."

While waiting for the pain to subsist, Scarlet looked at him with a mix of interrogation and offended face.

[… If you say so. Alright, it should be better now.]

Slowly, Scarlet then began to move her hips up and down. Even though it was less bad, it was still painful enough for Scarlet to clench her teeth. For Max, however, it was another kind of pain, the kind that was making things hard for him to hold on.

"I confirm that you're way tighter than usual. It's almost painful."

[Do you want… to talk about it?] Scarlet asked slightly impatiently with closed eyes.

Not talking anymore, Max only let Scarlet do her thing in hope that it will get better over time. Unfortunately, he felt an orgasm coming before his gardevoir could start enjoying it.

"I'm… sorry Scarlet." he apologized before exploding inside the pokemon.

As soon as she felt his hot load, Scarlet went even slower, almost as if she tried to enjoy it at least a little.

[… It's… okay. I won't say no to a little break.] she told before stopping completely with almost the entire shaft inside her.

"Feeling better?"

[Well… it seems that you coming eased my pain a little. It should be more enjoyable the next round.]

"Great, because I don't know if I would have like to continue in those conditions."

[Still too nice with others I see.] Scarlet pointed out with a smile while rubbing his cheek with one hand.

"I can't be too nice to you."

[… I think it's best not complaining about it.]

"You better not, or else I'll keep my kindness for someone else." Max jested.

[Threats? I see that not punishing you for a long made you quite undisciplined. I'll remedy that in the next days.]

"Let's wait a few days before showing devilish again."

[Deal.] she agreed before kissing him. [I'm up for a last round if you are too.]

"If it doesn't hurt too much for you, then sure."

Nodding with a smile, Scarlet then resumes her slow but steady riding. Not only it seems to be less painful for her, but Max also began to hear very low moans.

"I assume that it starts to feel good."

[It still stings a bit, but the pleasure is starting to take over slowly. I might even, come rather soon.]

"Alright, just be careful."

Soon enough, the familiar pleasure she used to feel with him was slowly showing up, enjoying herself more and more. To Max's dismay, Scarlet's moans were getting louder as well.

"Be quiet Scarlet, there are others behind those walls."

{But… it feels so good. I've missed… that feeling so much.} she expressed, trying her best to contain her voice.

"Same here Scarlet, I can assure you that, but I don't want to be the last time. If we're found out here…"

{I… know.} she hardly replies, hugging Max very strongly. {In that case… I'm sorry for that.}

Before Max could ask what she was talking about, the gardevoir bite one of his trapezius rather strongly, hurting Max a little.

"Oww!" Max lowly growled.

Despite the pain, Max quickly noticed that biting him was preventing her from screaming, so did his best to deal with it for the time being. Luckily, it didn't last that long since Scarlet's orgasm was coming pretty quickly. After a good fifteen minutes, both of them reached their limit and came at the same time. Obviously, Scarlet's ecstatic bliss made her bite Max stronger, making him bleed a bit afterward.

{Damn… it was good.} Scarlet shared while going limp and a bit shaky on Max, panting slightly.

"I agree. Good thing it didn't last longer than that, otherwise, I would have come like a thousand times now."

{And what's… the bad news?}

"Hemm… well… I would probably have died from overpleasuration."

{I don't think… that's even a word.}

"Who cares, I decide that it is."

{You and your pride. You're lucky that we're the same.}

"That's why we're getting along well."

[I suppose.] she agreed before kissing him.

Almost instantly, they heard knocking from the restroom doors.

{Are you done yet touching yourself in there? The gym leader just beaten her last idiot and you're the next one, so put those pants on and get ready already.} Aurora exclaimed behind the door before leaving.

[… Well, looks like you're about to leave me again.] Scarlet pointed out with a smile.

"Looks like it indeed," Max confirmed before letting out a low sigh.

[Feeling nervous?]

"Is it that overwhelming?"

[Don't need psychic powers to see it.]

"I suppose. I don't know why though, it's not the first time I battle a gym leader."

[It is in front of many humans.]

"… True."

[If you want to, I can soothe your mind a bit.]

"Thanks, but I should be alright. I really appreciate your concern though."

[The pleasure is mine. Now get out and win that battle.] she ordered before gently pushing him towards the door.

"Are you gonna watch it?"

[Like every battle so far. Just remember that even though you don't see me, I see you and encourage you from afar.]

"Cool. Thanks, Scarlet." Max thanked, kissing her afterward.

[… No problem.] she replied with a warm smile before teleporting away.

"Alright…" Max mumbled, cracking his neck. "Let's do this."

A minute away from the fateful hour, Max was walking through a corridor with Luna in her riolu form and a girl that was leading him to the challenger gate to the battlefield.

{Any strategy so far?} Luna asked.

"Depending on what kind pokemon she uses, I thought about a thing or two."

{Only that?}

"I'm sure you know as well as me that things go rarely the way you want, so I'm more into improvising on the spot."

{Very simplistic, maybe a bit too much even, but if it works…}

"I mainly rely on the strength though. After all, you girls are the ones that take hits."

{True, but from what I've seen myself with you and even before, pokemon are more efficient with a human trainer. In the nature, we usually use strength and speed to fight. With human strategies, even a weak pokemon can beat a strong one.}

"Is that so?"

{Why do you think humans fascinate me so much?}

"Because we're handsome?"

{Depends on who?}

"Really? Am I one of them?"

For a few seconds, Luna looked a Max with a mix of mischievous and interrogative expressions.

{If you win that battle, I'll tell you.} she answered with a slightly seductive tone.

"Eh, gonna do my best then."