Togetheart (3/6)

In front of the dojo in Togetheart, a place where human and pokemon relationships are accepted, Scarlet was pulling Max inside after she suspiciously convinced Sally the cinderace to join them. Once inside, Max had given up on questioning Scarlet, who refused to give any kind of response and noticed various pokemon scattered everywhere. Two of them were training with May and Dusk separately. Bonny, on her side, was talking with a lucario. He thought at first that it was Aurora, but quickly noticed the spike on its chest and whitened fur.

{It's sadder than I imagined.} Scarlet commented, looking around.

"Don't be mean," Max said as they started walking through the dojo.

While proceeding, he noticed the absence of Aurora.

{Master!} May exclaimed as soon as she saw him, jumping into his arms.

"Hi there, sweetie." Max greeted, catching her. "How is it going over here?"

{It's okay I guess. But now that you're here, it's gonna be better.}

"Is that so? I hope to live up to your expectations."

{You always do. Oh, hey Sally.} May greeted the cinderace. {You decided to join us?}

{Y-Yeah.} Sally shyly replied.

"Scarlet managed to persuade her, somehow. Do you know where Aurora is?"

{Oh. Well, it's a long story, but I'll try to make it short. Aurora didn't like Fushiu, they fought, she lost and left.}

"Wow. That was short indeed. I'm impressed."

{Hihi.} May expressed with a wide smile.

{Why am I not surprised?} Scarlet asked rhetorically.

"So Fushiu is…"

{The lucario with Bonny.}

"Okay. Thanks for the info." Max said, putting her down. "Good luck with the training."

{Thanks.}

At that, May resumed her training while Max walked to Bonny and Fushiu.

{Hi, master. Hi, again Sally. Nice to see you.} Bonny greeted.

{Hi. Say, master Fushiu, care for a little rematch?} Sally challenged while already getting in position.

{Hoho. Maybe another time, Sally. You will have to learn a bit more before that.} The old lucario stated with a smile.

{I'll get stronger. You'll see.} Sally exclaimed with fervor.

"I see that everyone is assiduous to the workout around here," Max commented.

{How could we get stronger otherwise? Master Fushiu, this is my trainer I talked about.} The lopunny presented.

{Ah, mister Max. Your friends hold you in very high esteem. You're exactly how I pictured you.}

"Really? I hope they didn't make me sound like a monster." Max jested.

{Only I love to do that.} Scarlet pointed out with a grin.

{Not at all. They see you as a really good trainer and, well, hehe, lover too.}

Fushiu's comment made both Sally and Max blush a little.

{That, I think is not entirely false.} Luna commented with a smug look.

"That's flattering," Max commented, looking at Bonny, who looked away in embarrassment. "Anyway, I believe one of my companions caused you some trouble. I'm terribly sorry about that," he apologized.

{Don't be. Firstly because all of your friends already apologized, and secondly, there's nothing to be mad about. Miss Aurora is young and vigorous. Of course, she has to expend that energy from time to time. She's still a child.}

"I'm… not sure I want to label her as such."

{Aha, pardon me, I didn't mean it in that way. She's full of goodwill, but she doesn't know how to express it properly.}

"Yeah. Life didn't really go easy on her."

{That I suspected. But from what I see, she's in good hands.}

"I try my best."

{That's good.}

"Do you know where she went?"

{She's probably pouting somewhere.} Bonny answered.

"Charming." Max jested.

{Hey, it's not my fault if she can't withstand a beatdown.}

*Sigh* "I guess it's up to me to be the adult again."

{I would suggest not.} Fushiu said as soon as Max turned his heels.

"Pardon me?" Max said, with Scarlet looking at the lucario in disapproval.

{You surely mean well, I don't doubt it, but for now, she doesn't need to be smothered, but to grow up a little.}

"Grow up? By leaving her all alone?"

{Exactly.} The old lucario confirmed. {She needs to be alone for a moment, where she can think for herself.}

"But…"

{She risks nothing around here, I assure you. I believe that her immaturity comes from her inability to do some solitary introspection. Sometimes, we need others, and sometimes, we don't.}

Max didn't really agree with him. He may have a point saying that some alone time can be necessary sometimes, but that's if we are talking about a normal pokemon, not someone that had been abandoned like her.

"When she was ditched by her previous trainer, I think she had plenty of alone time. I don't really want to recreate that."

{Normally, I would agree with you.} Bonny intervened. {But it's different now, master. No one ditched her here. She left on her own. As soon as she gets better, she will come back. Simple as that.}

"Yeah, but what if… Erh! I guess." Max conceded.

{You're not some kind of messiah, master. Sorry to say it like that, but you can't always be the answer to every little trouble we have. Sometimes, it's better to leave the helping hand to time itself.}

"..."

{You are exceptional, though, I don't take it away from you.} Bonny reassured while briefly caressing one of his arms.

"No, you're right. I think I just got superman syndrome, wanting to help absolutely everyone."

{Stick to those you can really help, young man. That way, you'll avoid a lot of headaches. Overprotection is just as toxic as negligence.} Fushiu added.

"Alright. I just hope she's doing fine."

{She's a big girl. She can take care of herself. Say, now that you're here, do you want me to help you warm up?} Bonny suggested.

"Eh, going straight for cherry, like always."

{Come on. Are you a male or not?} She taunted, getting in position.

Briefly looking at the old pokemon, Fushiu replied back with a smile.

"Alrigh- *Kha* Max started before being quickly tackled down by Bonny.

{Haha. Youngsters these days. They can't stay in place.} The old lucario commented before walking away.

~POVC~

Outside, Aurora was walking alone through the town. She was a bit less angry than before, but the intense bitterness of defeat was still in her mouth. It wasn't her first defeat, and each time, she was not so happy about it. But this time, however, it was different. She got overpowered in every aspect possible, and by an old pokemon at that, which wasn't helping at all. After some more walking, she came across a gazebo that had a nice uncovered view of the closest mountain beyond the plains. A small river could be seen near the foot of the mountain but was pretty far away. She decided to stop there and lay her arms over the white-painted wooden fences. She then took a deep breath before exhaling loudly.

{Why do I torment myself like this? I'm weak, and there's nothing more to it. I should face it, one way or another. Maybe then, I'll find a bit of inner peace.}

Despite saying that, her head dropped down and a tear fell from her eyes. She felt miserable and useless. She stayed like this for a decent number of minutes until she heard a childish voice behind.

{Huh? Are you okay, Miss?}

Turning her back, she saw a small riolu looking at her interrogatively.

{Y-Yes, yes. Don't worry about me.} She lied before wiping her eyes and faced the mountain again.

{Hmm? You don't look very happy though.} The riolu said before getting near Aurora, jumping on the fence and looking the same way as her after sitting.

{And what's a little shrimp-like you know about adults' feelings?} She replied with hostility.

{Not much, besides that you look exactly like my mom when she was with my dad.} He replied, nonchalantly.

{Really now? Your dad was mean to your mom?}

{My dad wasn't my real dad. He was a human, but they liked each other very much.}

{Not very surprising.}

{Well, we are in a place where almost all couples are human and pokemon, after all.}

{So why do I look like her exactly?}

{From time to time, I would come back home and see mommy sad, like you. I never really understood why, but I was told that my dad wasn't always nice to her. I sometimes heard him yelling at her.}

{An abusive human, huh? Looks like Scarlet isn't that much on the wrong side of the trail with her opinion on humans.}

{But now he's not here anymore. He was banned from this place. Now my mom is depressed, but at least not sad all the time.}

{That's harsh, but why are you telling me all that?}

{Because you asked me.}

{Oh yeah, of course. Silly me.}

{So why are you so sad?}

*Sigh* {I highly doubt that a kid like you could understand.}

{Maybe, or maybe not. How can you tell if you don't try?}

{Tsk. Because I don't especially want to tell you.}

{...Okay. Sorry to have bothered you. I hope you feel better soon.} The riolu said before jumping down the fence so as to leave.

{...Tsk. Hey, kiddo?} Aurora called out when he had left the gazebo. {...What's your name?}

{Rock.}

{Rock. Odd name for a pokemon.}

{I like it.}

{That's not what I meant. *sigh* If you really want to know why I'm sad, it's because I don't meet the expectations of someone I care about.}

{You don't?} Rock replied, walking back next to Aurora.

{I really try my best, but in the end, I'm still worthless. No wonder my first human got tired of me. He probably sensed that he would just waste his time with me.}

{Ah, now you sound like my dad when he was talking to my mom.}

{I'm not being an asshole here, just… realistic.}

{Who is the one you care for? Is it your mom too?}

{No, not really. Someone that deserves more of my love, actually. No, I'm talking about my trainer.}

{Trainer?}

{My human… friend if you understand better.}

{Ah, I see. It must be harsh to hear that from someone you love.}

{Well, he didn't really… say that.}

{Huh? How do you know what he thinks, then?}

{Because I… Because it's obvious. Who likes a loser?}

{I don't know, but… a few times, I've been called names like that, but my mom still loves me.}

{You like to argue, don't you, now?}

{Not really, but I heard that a couple of times.}

{Are you even happy here? From what I hear, you don't seem to have it easy.}

{Not that much, but I am happy. I mean, I have a mother that loves me and a few friends here and there. It's not because I have bad days sometimes that I'll be unhappy. But I'm just a kid. Maybe you have bigger problems than me.}

The riolu's last statement left Aurora a bit speechless.

{Actually, it's pretty much the same. I think that maybe I focus a bit too much on the bad things instead of the good ones.}

{Every time something bad happens to me, I try to forget it as soon as possible.}

{...}

{Well, it was nice talking to you, but if I'm not home soon, mom is gonna scold me. Bye-bye, Miss.} The riolu wished before leaving her.

The lucario was quite dumbfounded.

{I can't believe it. A kid that knows better than me… How embarrassing.} She said to herself before gazing upon the horizon once more.

~POVC~

{Come on, master! I thought you were stronger than that.} Scarlet taunted as she was using her telekinesis to restrain Max's movements.

"I'm pretty sure you're just making it harder than usual." The human complained before throwing a punch, which felt like two people were holding his arm.

{Excuses, excuses.} Scarlet nagged.

Both of them were now in their corner with the red gardevoir using her powers to help Max exercise quite intensely. Scarlet casually dodged the punch by simply moving a few inches to the side. At the speed she did, it was almost like she was mocking him.

{Too slow.} She said before throwing a punch to his stomach.

*Oomph*

Releasing him, Max bent a bit forward from the pain.

{Oh, sorry. Did I hit too hard?} Scarlet questioned, worried.

"No, it's okay. It's just… that your delicate touches are too much to bear." He jested sarcastically.

*Sigh* {You are irrecuperable.}

"Thanks. However, I think I'll take a break."

{Alright. You did well, so you deserve it.}

With a nod, Max straightened his back and went to sit at the foot of a wall, having a bit of difficulty breathing while doing so, right next to Jade, who was only looking.

"I hope I didn't make a fool of myself too much."

{Not at all. Your method is a bit… unorthodox, but I have to say that I'm impressed. I think you're doing well against a pokemon.} The light green gardevoir replied.

"Eh. I think you're flattering me a bit too much."

{Flattering? No, I didn't mean to…}

"Relax, it was just a little tease."

{Ah. O-Okay.} Jade replied, looking away in embarrassment. {Relationships with others are very complicated. Perhaps I'm just not made for this.}

"You'll get there. Just give it some time. People tend to say that I'm patient, so take your time."

{...Okay.} She simply answered before a short silence settled.

"Say, Jade." He engaged again. "What would you say if I were to propose to you to get stronger?"

{Stronger? Stronger how?}

"Well, like training with me or the girls. You know, punching or getting… mostly punching, actually."

{P-Punching?} She nervously repeated.

"You can kick too if you want. Just slapping even or spitting insults. Just to work on that fighting spirit of yours a little."

{...I don't know. I don't think I'm worth your time. You're just gonna waste it.}

"And why is that? If you ask me, you are not a waste of time."

{...Can I ask why you're telling me that?}

"Well, I'll be blunt with you; I wish to integrate you into the team against the next gym leader."

{Me? No, no, no! Anyone would be better than me!} She exclaimed, almost in a panic.

"Come on, Jade, can you stop for a second?" Max demanded firmly.

Max's sudden tone rise made her jump and get a little scared.

"Tsk. Sorry, Jade. I didn't mean to speak loudly." Max reassured her. "But it's getting old for you to speak like that about yourself. Look at me."

Half reassured Jade looked at Max in the eyes.

"I'm gonna say this once and for all; You are alive, Jade, and have the right to be. You're not useless or unworthy or whatever you may think. You're a valuable individual that deserves respect and care. You're a nice girl and I really appreciate you. Jade, you matter."

The light green gardevoir's apprehension changed into mostly confusion. To her, it had the effect of being told a bunch of lies, but seeing Max's sincerity through his eyes, she blushed a little before looking away.

{...You shouldn't say that. Scarlet might get upset.} Jade said, holding one of her arms.

"So what? I have the right to appreciate who I want. Anyway, she agreed with me to help you to get stronger."

{She… did?} Jade replied, surprised.

"She wants to assist in all of our sessions, but yeah."

Jade then went into her thoughts.

{I don't really have skills for combat.}

"That's what training is all about. If you can actually throw a punch or a kick, then training you is possible."

{It's… a very sudden question. I don't know what to answer. I… I need time to think about it.}

"I understand. Just come to me whenever you make your decision. I don't want to influence you, but since Aurora and May are weak against fire, you would be my best bet. Take your time though. I don't want to force you into anything. If possible, I would like to know your answer as soon as possible so I can start thinking about another plan quicker."

{I'll… try.}

"Thanks, Jade," Max said, looking at Scarlet who was talking with Luna a bit further away.

~POVC~

{So in the end, it's not that hard to learn it, then.} Scarlet concluded.

{I believe that it depends on who wants to learn it, but it took me a while to learn it. I'm not a fire-type and special attacker like you.} The zoroark answered.

{I am indeed a special attacker.} Scarlet stated while creating small psychic energy around one hand, looking at it. {But I'm not a fire-type either. I like punching with that, though.} She continued, bursting her hand into flames. {But master is right. A move like Flamethrower will be a lot more useful.}

{I'll help as soon as you're ready.}

{Thanks. You know, Luna…}

{Hm?}

{...Tsk. I might have misjudged you a little. I still don't trust you fully, but… you do contribute a lot to the team, so I just wanted to say sorry.}

For a moment, Luna didn't say a thing but kept looking at Scarlet.

{What?}

{Nothing. It's just very heartwarming to see you evolving on the inside. You seem to flourish, little by little.}

*Hmpf* {I don't really need to hear that from you. But… I don't know.} She said with a slightly emotional voice while looking at Max. {If it's the case, I wouldn't have been able to achieve that on my own. He contributed a lot.}

{Life's trials are easier to overcome with someone beside us.}

{I was foolish to think otherwise not long ago. In my defense, it's hard to trust others when all you've ever had are traitorous scumbags.}

{And then you found our little pup.}

{And then I found him, yes.} Scarlet confirmed, looking at him for a short duration. {Well, better get back to it.} Scarlet finished before heading towards him.

{Just make sure not to be the one who ends him.} Luna teased.

Rolling her eyes, she floated towards him.

{Break's over. Training will make you stronger than speaking.}

"Alright," Max grumbled. "Time to face the devil again."

{Watch your mouth, or else it's really gonna happen.} She replied playfully.

"Sure. I'll let you think about what we discussed." He added to Jade before moving away with Scarlet.

{I'm almost afraid to ask what you discussed with her.} She demanded, sounding a bit contemptuous.

"Not sex, that's for sure. You made sure to reserve that for Sally."

At that, she glared menacingly at him.

"I was joking." He assured her a bit arrogantly. "I just asked her about the training thing."

{I see. Did she accept?}

"Not yet. She wants to think about it first. It's hard to get anything from her."

{Then just give up and don't expect anything from her at all.}

"You know I can't, despite what you think."

{Alright. I don't want to talk about it and start a dispute again.}

"Same. We're not here for that."

{Exactly. So? Any special demand next?}

"Hmm… I didn't really think about it."

{Master?} May asked below him, making both of them look at her.

"Yes, sweetie?"

{Do you think we could practice my mega-evolution? I mega-evolved once, but I still didn't really get used to it in battle.}

"You have a mega-evolved good point here." Max joked.

Both of them looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"You know what, girls? I think I'm gonna keep my sense of humor to those who really appreciate it." He complained in a joke.

{If you ever come across one, for fuck's sake, marry her.} Scarlet nagged, making May giggle.

"You guys are mean."

{Yes, and we are proud of it.} Scarlet added with rolling eyes. {But she does have a point. Mating is nice, sure, but it's not combat. She has to learn how to move properly with her new body.}

"I agree, but who are we gonna make her fight? You?"

{Why not? Do you think we don't know each other enough yet? Unless you want to fight her yourself.}

"I…"

Max was about to refuse but gave it some quick thoughts.

"Actually, I'm not totally against it."

{Seriously?} Scarlet inquired, a bit astonished.

"May and I never really 'fought' due to her size. Now could be a good opportunity to try it."

{Well, even though I admire that attempt to hide the real reason why you're proposing yourself, which is only to get very physical with her, I doubt it's a good idea.}

"And why is that?" Max asked, briefly and suspiciously looking away.

{Think about it. She doesn't have perfect control of her mega-form yet. If you really want to be shattered into pieces, that's your little personal delirium, but I object. It's too dangerous.}

"Hm. As much as I don't agree with everything you've said, you're not entirely wrong I'm afraid."

{But… I don't want to hurt you. I'll be super gentle. I promise.} May tried to convince him.

"Aww. You're so cute May, but Scarlet is right. Besides, it won't be much of a training session if you just finger flick me."

{It's true, but…}

"Don't worry, sweetie. We have our own nighty time now, so that's that."

{...I really wanted to try a little fight with you.} May said, sounding a bit sad.

"Are you that eager to hurt me?"

{No! I just want to-}

"Haha, relax sweetie, I was just teasing you. Tell you what; as soon as you have perfect control over your mega form, we'll bicker a little."

{Don't make me look like a child. It's no mere bickering, it will be a real battle. I don't want to hurt you, but training with you is… it's hard to explain.}

{You don't have to.} Bonny engaged, who just had joined them. {We understand perfectly. Me at least. It's not about hitting him, but more about contributing to making him stronger. For me it's the main reason why I like it so much.} She explained with crossed arms.

{Before or after the desire to rub your body against his?} Scarlet questioned with a raised eyebrow.

{...Good question. I can't really decide between both of them.} Bonny replied, legitimately thinking about it.

"Personally, I think I know which one you like more." Max nagged playfully.

{Also, I think it's that we get into a different type of promiscuity. Like we are partners in crime or something, you know?} May attempted to explain.

"I think I'm starting to see the picture."

{So if I understand correctly, she wants a partner to battle in her mega-form, right?} Bonny said.

"Pretty much, yes."

{What about me, then? I'm the best candidate since I can mega-evolve too.}

"Oh, good point."

{Except that you're omitting a little something.} Scarlet remarked.

"What?"

{That it would require two mega-evolutions. Can you mega-evolve them both at the same time?}

"Well, I don't see why I couldn't."

{Mega-evolution demands a lot of energy, with a big portion coming from you. You get pretty drained after one puts up a good fight, so I'm a bit skeptical about two simultaneously.}

"Your faith in me is so unwavering."

{I'm just being realistic here. But if you think you can do it, then go ahead. I'm watching.}

"Great," Max said, touching his keystone. "One is too easy, so how hard could two be? Okay girls, mega-evolve."

With both touching their mega-stone, May and Bonny mega-evolved, making the bright light of it attracting some attention.

"See? No problem." Max boasted after his two pokemon were now in their mega-form.

{Damn! You sure get hotter like that.} Bonny commented, paws on hips with a mischievous grin. {No wonder why master is becoming more of a sick pervert every passing day.}

{What can I say? Nothing is stopping this girl from getting what she wants.} May proudly replied with crossed arms.

{Don't overdo it, though. You're still way behind me in terms of pure sexiness.}

{Funny, I was about to say the same thing.}

{Oh really? Do you want to fight over that?} Bonny challenged with a smile, facing her.

{I don't mind.} May retorted, facing her as well with a combative face and grin.

"Okay girls, easy now. It's just a friendly match. Don't over-"

Mid-sentence, Max became dizzy and lost his balance a little, with Scarlet catching him. After his legs grew weak, both May and Bonny reverted to their normal form.

{Damnit! Just when it was getting interesting.} Bonny complained.

{You were right, you did manage to make them mega-evolve. However…} Scarlet said.

"Yeah, yeah, I get it." Max interrupted, trying his best to stay on his feet while being a bit irritated.

{Two mega-evolutions is still too early for you.}

*Sigh* "At least I can mega-evolve one. I guess it's up to you, then." Max conceded, looking at Scarlet.

{Alright. Rest a little beforehand, though.}

"Good idea. I think I'll do just that." He said, sitting on the ground.

{Whoa!} Sally exclaimed behind Bonny. {You can mega-evolve?!}

{Why, yes of course. I have a mega-stone, after all.} Bonny confirmed, showing the lopunnite on her scarf.

{A mega-stone? What does it do?}

{You don't know what a mega-stone is?}

{I heard about mega-evolution, but I never saw one. It's so cool!}

{You tell me. If a pokemon has its appropriate mega-stone and its trainer a keystone, he or she can achieve mega-evolution.}

{Really? In that case, if there is a mega-stone for me, I'll mega-evolve too?}

{It might just be.}

{Say, would you like to train with me? I would like to fight you in your mega-form.}

{I can't at the moment since master will be busy with May, but I don't mind some sparring. Trust me, I'm no joke even in my normal form.}

{Awesome! Come on!} Sally urged before running to her own corner.

{Well, no break for me I guess.} Bonny stated before following her.

"She's a very energetic ball of joy. It's like a mix of May and Bonny." Max commented.

{But with half of their wits.} Scarlet added.

"First, that's mean, and second, who cares even if it's the case? To me, as long as you don't cause trouble or hurt others, you can be whatever the fuck you want. She's nice, which is good already, right?" He told Scarlet.

{...True.}

{Phew!}

Suddenly, a quite exhausted braixen sat right next to Max before dropping its head on his shoulder.

"Is my pretty Dusk working hard?"

{It doesn't take me a lot to work hard when it comes to physical activities.}

"Is that so? From what I recall, you can last pretty long with me."

{...That's different.} She justified, making the others laugh a little. {I don't remember having to do squats or punches or kicks when we do it.}

"Well, we can always add that. That will make things a bit kinkier, though."

{Not funny, master.} She said, despite having smiled a little.

{It's better than you think. I punch him sometimes and he likes it.} Scarlet jested.

{And I bite him sometimes. He loves that too.} May played along, now sitting between Max's legs.

"Okay girls, now you're just gonna make her feel left out."

{Don't worry, master. Even if they were serious, I wouldn't even start thinking about hurting you.} Dusk stated.

"That's nice. At least I'm safe with someone." He joked, petting her.

{How touching. Now, ready to go at it again?} Scarlet inquired.

"I think," Max replied standing up. "Ready when you are."

With a nod, Scarlet moved away a little with May.

"Mega-evolution," Max exclaimed, making his mawile change form.

{You holding on?} The red gardevoir asked.

"Yeah. I guess you were right; one is my limit."

{Pretty sure it's improvable. If you train your endurance and try often, maybe you could stand two mega-evolutions eventually.}

"Maybe. But another time. Today was too exhausting."

{Poor little thing. Aunty Scarlet will take care of you later.} Scarlet mocked.

"Nice. I love it when you take care of me." Max retorted with a grin.

{Don't tempt me, master. Otherwise, I'll exhaust you even more.}

"You should focus on the matter at hand for the moment."

{Tsk. Such a tease.} She complained, looking at May.

{Yeah. I hate it when he does that too.} May agreed softly with a grin.

{Well, show me what you're capable of now.}

{By what should I start with?}

"Why not Pound?"

{Alright. I'm curious to feel the power of your attacks.} Scarlet shared.

{Alright. Here I go then.} The mega mawile said before launching a Pound at Scarlet.

*Poumf*

The power of the hit was astonishingly more powerful than expected. The move resonated quite loudly over Scarlet's telekinetic shield.

{Whoa. That hit was almost as strong as your regular Headbutt. Speaking of that, you could go with that next.} Scarlet instructed.

With a nod, May chained with Headbutt. The impact was even louder and managed to move Scarlet backward an inch.

"Damn!" Max exclaimed, impressed. "Those are strong moves if I ever saw any."

{You think?} May said with her cheeks a bit red.

{I agree. Now, I wonder how powerful your Steel Fang is?}

"One way to find out. May, Steel Fang." Max commanded.

Turning around, both of her giant maws attacked Scarlet. From her perspective, it was like two demonic beings were trying to shred her into pieces. Upon impact, the weight of the attack made the gardevoir slightly bent her knees. Their trainer couldn't get enough of looking at the mawile's new form as it was moving around. Her slender body was making her movement more flexible and fluid, making her more gracious.

"Okay, that's enough," Max said, walking near them before naughty ideas began to pop in his head. "How was she?"

{She did well. Her strength is impressive.} Scarlet answered, dropping her shield.

"I wasn't really doubting it." Max praised, making May blush. "Mega-evolution sure is something."

{But as I said, she has to work on controlling that power. Correct me if I'm wrong, but did you use one hundred percent of your strength?} The red gardevoir asked May.

{Not fully, but close.}

{So that confirms what I was saying.}

"Well, looks like it could have ended badly for me, even though I did already pass through that once."

{This time it could have been different. She has sharp teeth that can chew through metal like it was nothing.} Scarlet pointed out.

{I would never use a dangerous move on him, even at one percent of my power.} May assured fervently.

{Maybe, but still. Anyway, we're here for that, right?}

"Indeed. You guys go on." Max said to Scarlet and May. "Can't do much besides looking."

{True. To keep May in her mega-form as long as possible, you'll need every ounce of energy you have.} Scarlet remarked.

For a while, both Max's mawile and gardevoir sparred by tossing hits here and there. With Max sitting still, May could stay in her mega-form for a longer amount of time. Like expected, May's strength was amazing, but she had trouble dodging, hardly able to find and keep good momentum. Aware of that, Scarlet adjusted her attacks in consequence, stopping or deviating her moves. Slowly but surely, May was getting accustomed to her mega-form but obviously needed more than one session to fully get comfortable with it.

"Alright girls, I need a break," Max called out after a little while, starting to feel slightly dizzy.

{I was about to say the same.} Scarlet said before May returned to her normal form.

{I was starting to get tired, so good timing.} May stated.

{That I felt. You were getting slower.}

"We all worked pretty hard. I think we deserve a long break."

{Indeed.}

"And still no sign of Aurora?" Max demanded, with them answering negatively. "Tsk. I wonder what she's doing."

{Probably some Aurora things.} May guessed.

"It's very likely, indeed." Max agreed before doing a quick scan of the place. "Wait! Where's Luna?"

{I don't know.} Scarlet answered, briefly looking around.

{She left a moment ago.} Bonny said beside Max, having just joined them with Sally.

"Huh? Why?"

{You know how she is. Not the very social type.} Scarlet commented.

{I'm surprised she even stayed that long.}

{She probably came and stayed a moment for master's pretty eyes.} The red gardevoir jested.

"Yeah, by not looking at them." Max retorted.

{Or maybe she was looking at something else.} May said smugly, making the others laugh.

"Real mature, guys," Max replied, rolling his eyes. "Anyway, how did it go for you?" He asked his lopunny.

{Great, actually. Sally isn't half of a bad fighter. She knows how to move and her kicks are packing power.}

"Doesn't surprise me that much. She doesn't have the body of an office worker. I know that no one will get the reference, but I do, which is enough."

{I do.} Scarlet corrected.

{Me too.} May followed.

"Ah."

{Personally, I don't. What I understood is that you're talking about her body.} Bonny affirmed.

"Well, kinda..."

{Master, please. Have the decency to at least get to know her a bit more first.} Bonny jested with a fake desperate face, with Sally madly blushing behind her.

"How do you have the ability to turn absolutely everything into an innuendo?"

{...You inspire me?}

"Ah, I was waiting for that one. I'm again the one at fault."

{You always are, master.} Bonny joked with a smile. {Anyway, speaking of body, we came to ask you something.}

"Oh, and what could it be?"

{You see, I kind of boasted a bit about how I trained you to withstand a fight with a pokemon, but Sally is a bit skeptical. And when I say a bit, I mean she doesn't believe me at all.}

{I-I didn't say that. I j-just said that it's hard for me to believe that without any proof.} Sally defended.

{So I proposed to her to see for herself.}

"...Okay. so, in short, you ask me to…"

{Fight her a bit, yeah.}

A bit taken by surprise, Max looked at Sally, who immediately looked somewhere else in mild embarrassment.

*Sigh* "I don't know what she told you exactly, but withstanding a pokemon is an exaggeration. I can't really put a real fight against one."

{I-I'll be gentle, I-I promise.}

"Alright. Can't say no to a lady, even if it's to kick my ass." Max conceded, standing up.

{That is a 'gotta see'.} May commented.

{It will be very interesting, indeed.} Scarlet followed.

"Here or…"

{Here is perfect.} Sally answered quickly.

"Okay." He said, both briefly getting in position. "Since my glass-like body is too fragile, we usually go with just wrestling and submissive moves."

{Don't listen to him.} Bonny said softly to Sally. {He can take a few hits, but he's a bit of a wuss.}

"Heard that you know. No dessert for you tonight."

{Aww. Not fair.} The lopunny retorted, playing along.

{W-well. R-Ready when you are.} Sally stammered a little.

Max even noticed that she was a bit shaky.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

{Y-Yeah. Don't worry about me. I'm just… a bit cold, that's all.}

Knowing that it was not even chilly inside, Max couldn't help but smile a little at her awful attempt to lie.

"Alright, I'll break the ice then."

Upon seeing the human dashing towards her, Sally didn't know why but she froze in place. She couldn't think of anything besides him charging at her. With a rather safe tackle, Max put Sally on her back and went over her. To more or less prevent her from standing up too easily, he put an arm over her throat without pressing while holding one of her arms, just to show that he had the upper hand. Even then, Sally couldn't react. She was on her back with Max over her, pressing his body against hers and eye locked over hers. Her heartbeat went tremendously fast and strong that she thought it would pop up on its own. Her breathing had slightly accelerated and her eyes dilated.

"I know you said you would go easy on me, but it's not fun if you just let me win."

For a split second, she managed to come back to her senses. She used that opportunity to make an unexpected move to turn the tables on Max. In a swift movement, Sally was now on top, her face just a few inches away from his while firmly holding his arms on the ground. At this very moment and with locked eyes on his, she felt something she had never felt before: hunger. Not the one for food, but the hunger for someone. She had a sudden desire to bite him and even eat him, even though she's a vegetarian pokemon. She couldn't stop glaring at him as she was using the entirety of her willpower not to take action.

"I… think you won," Max said, trying to bring her back.

Suddenly, she realized what she was doing. Her eyes went wide in shame and quickly moved away from him.

{I-I'm sorry. I d-don't know what h-happened. I…} she stammered, hiding her face with her paws.

"It's okay. I'm not hurt, so no worries." Max reassured, sitting up.

{I…}

"But I wish we put up a real fight in the next round. Well, not real, real, but you understand."

{...I t-think I'm gonna s-stop here.}

"Already? We were just starting to have fun."

{S-Stop it.} She demanded softly, hiding her face again.

"Alright, then." Max conceded, a bit confused.

{Well, that was short.} Scarlet commented, sounding a bit disappointed.

{I expected them to be a bit more… touchy.} Bonny followed.

"No need to add your little grain of salt, girls," Max told them, standing up. "Here." He added, presenting his hand to help Sally stand.

Very hesitantly, she took it and stood up. Once on her feet, she wasn't able to look straight at Max anymore.

"Are you alright?"

{Y-Yeah. I'm just… gonna g-go over there.} She replied, shyly walking away.

"Did something happen?" Max pondered out loud.

{Poor little human. I'll explain when you're all grown up. I guess it's not your fault that you're the way you are.} Scarlet teased.

"Huh? But what did I do?"

After only shrugging her shoulders, Scarlet left them to join the cinderace, who went to lay against the wall far from everyone.

*Sigh* "Girls." He commented while shaking his head.

~POVC~

{Well, I see that you had a glimpse of how it is to be with our master.} Scarlet engaged when in front of Sally.

Not answering, she just kept glaring at the ground.

{What are you so ashamed of?}

{I'm… not.}

{First rule of a gardevoir, you can't hide any feelings from us. Despite ourselves, we can sense them very easily.} Scarlet pointed out with crossed arms.

Again, she kept glaring at the ground without saying anything.

{I thought you had an interest in master?}

{I… thinking and actually living it is different. I just… got scared. I don't even know what to do with a male.} Sally admitted.

{That's not complicated; just grab his dick and do whatever you want with it. Well, as long as it's nothing hurtful, that is.}

{I… could never…} She justified, madly blushing.

{If anything, master would guide you. He's very patient and serviceable.}

Then, Sally left the ground and looked at her.

{I don't understand. Isn't he… your mate?}

{Yes, he is. So? Ah, I understand. Polygamy isn't common here I suppose.}

{What is pol…}

{It's a word humans come up with to designate having multiple mates. Both humans and pokemon can do that.}

{I see.}

{But to be fair, he only has one true mate; me. The other girls in the team are more of his mistresses and having an adventure with a random pokemon is not being their mate. It's just sex, that's it.}

{But… why? It never happened here. Everyone here has only one mate.}

{Why? Good question. *sigh* I guess I'll have to be bluntly honest again; I'm not doing this for you or anyone else whatsoever. I'm doing this for him.}

{For him? I don't understand.}

{Master has an interest in you, so what master wants, I also want most of the time. I love to make him happy so much that I don't mind whatever he might do. Within certain limits, of course.}

{I… okay. So, it's not really for me, then.} Sally confirmed, looking away with a sad face.

Scarlet only looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

{I understand. I'm used to that.}

Now was one of those rare occasions where Scarlet felt a sliver of guilt.

{Also… I know what it's like to have an unfair life. Trust me, I had huge portions of crap in my life too.}

{Really?}

Not answering, Scarlet looked in front of her like she was lost in her thoughts.

{Being black sheep, we understand each other.}

{...Hehe, I guess.} Sally replied, smiling a little. {Anyway, as I said, I don't even know what it's like to be with a male. None ever touched me.}

{So you never had anyone or anything interested in you?}

{Not really. Well… there was that one time, but I… don't really count it.}

{How so?}

{I… had a crush, but... he wasn't interested in me. He was nice at first but quickly started to act like everyone else.}

{I see. Well, I can assure you that master is a little gem. He would be nice to you and as gentle as you want.}

{Really?}

{Of course. Why would I lie to you?}

{Okay, but… how?}

*sigh* {I have the feeling that you're gonna be a real piece of work. How about I help you?}

{Help me? I… don't know. I'm still very nervous just thinking about it. I even wonder if I'm dreaming. I didn't really expect to be in that kind of thing when I woke up this morning. It's so sudden and… I kind of almost had given up on that.}

{Well, now would be a good time to bring back all of your little fantasies. If you had any, that is.}

{It's hard to think about that here.}

{Why? Wait, have you ever… you know, masturbated?}

{What? Mast… I…} Sally stammered, unable to answer.

{You don't have to be ashamed of that. I do, even though I don't really need to since I have master. I think I just did it only once since I've known him. I don't remember why, but I think it was because he was way too exhausted and I was too horny. I don't know.}

{...}

{But you don't have to answer if you don't want to.}

Shyly, Sally looked at the ground while nervously playing with her fingers.

{I… t-tried a few t-times.}

{Tried a few times? Surely someone as energetic as you did more than try, especially when you say you were always alone.}

{...Well… maybe a little bit more than just a few… but not many times.}

{And why is that? Do you perhaps simply have no sexual drive? I doubt it because even the dumbest of the dumbest have some.}

{That's… not it. It's just…}

Suddenly, Sally's expression got a lot sadder.

{It's just that every time I do it… it just makes me remember how alone I am. I even started to dislike it since sometimes after I was done, I cried until I fell asleep.}

Scarlet wasn't one to care about others' state of mind, well-being, or emotions, besides Max and the team she grew to like. However, Sally's deep sadness and crushing solitude touched her a little. How could someone be that sad and keep a smiling face all day long? She was a smart gardevoir, but this was beyond her. She was a bit lost for words. A little bit more and she would have felt pity for her.

{...Well, what if I tell you that I can change that? That we can change that.}

{I just find it hard to believe. I never caught the eyes of anyone, why will it be different today?}

{Because you didn't have the chance to meet me and master. I can guarantee you that if it's what you want, you will feel loved.}

Upon hearing her, Sally's heartbeat accelerated once again.

{H-How? I d-don't even know him? I mean, I-I know his name, but…}

{Well, at least you'll feel desired. Will it be okay? Besides, I'm sure master already likes you.}

Sally then looked at Scarlet.

{Why are you helping me so much? You could just have ignored me like anyone else.}

{As I said, I've already been at your place. Maybe even worse, but that's not the point. Suffering is suffering. Having faced it too doesn't mean I must let others live the same. For once, I want to be the helper, even though I never had one. You're nice and kind, Sally. What you're living, I only wish that upon assholes and jerks.}

{...I guess that means that I'm neither one.}

{Not really, no.}

{I… don't know what to say anymore.}

{Then don't say anything. Though, a simple thank you won't hurt.}

{R-Right. Thank you so very much.} Sally eagerly said while bowing.

{You don't have to overdo it, though.}

{S-Sorry.}

{If you're ready, we can act tonight.}

{T...Tonight?} Sally repeated with wide eyes.

{Why, yes. He planned on leaving this afternoon, but I'm sure I can convince him to stay at least one more night. Unless you're not ready yet.}

{No, no. I mean, maybe but… I didn't expect it to be this quick.}

{One thing about me; I don't procrastinate. I want things to be done as quickly as possible. With one exception, of course.}

{What's the exception?}

{I'll let you guess.} The gardevoir replied with a grin.

{Hem… Oh, I think I get it. Haha, dirty jokes are the best.} Sally laughed a bit nervously.

{Except that I wasn't joking.}

{Oh, right. Of course. I can't really tell.}

{After tonight, maybe you will. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a human to tame.} Scarlet finished before floating towards a rather inactive human.

{Tonight, huh? Well, I'd say today is one of those days that I'm glad I didn't stay in bed after all.}

For the rest of the day, Max and his companions stayed mostly in the dojo after Scarlet managed to convince Max to stay longer for everyone to enjoy the dojo as much as possible. Aurora still didn't show up and Luna had gone missing. Since she was always doing that, no one cared much. Sally mostly acted as if nothing happened and trained with Max's group. We are now at the beginning of the evening and Max was at his limit.

"I'm dead." He exclaimed, on his back in their corner.

{I'm impressed. You survived longer than I anticipated. You haven't gone that soft after all.} Scarlet commented.

"With all of you around, that's just not possible."

{I hope so. Well, how about we go grab something to eat and head back to our room to relax?} She proposed.

"Good idea. I almost forgot that I was hungry. I guess we could leave after that."

{Wasn't there a time for us to be able to eat?} May reminded them.

"Ah, right. That, I forgot. I hope we're not late." Max said, standing up. "Excuse me." He called out to the old lucario, who was nearby. "When is the next meal?"

{In roughly half an hour.} He answered.

"Shit. We almost missed it. We should go this instant."

{Let's go.} Bonny urged.

"Do you want to accompany us?" He asked Sally.

{That would be great. Thanks.} She happily replied.

After gathering Jade from her corner, Max and his pokemon left the dojo in the direction of where they took their breakfast.

{Come back anytime.} Fushiu wished outside the building.

"Should we go get Aurora?" Max asked after a couple of meters.

{She knows where to go.} Scarlet pointed out.

"Yeah, but she doesn't know when. She may miss it."

*sigh* {Fair point. Just go ahead. I'll go get her.}

"Thanks, love." He said before kissing her.

The red gardevoir then took another direction and went towards the female lucario.

{Always have to be held by the hands, don't you, Aurora? Huh?} She muttered to herself.

Following her brainwaves, which were rather unique, it took Scarlet a couple of minutes to arrive at her target. Aurora was still in the belvedere, scouting the horizon as the sun was slowly on its way to set.

{Dinner is about to be served. Master didn't want you to miss it, so I came to get you.}

{Thanks, I guess.} She simply replied, not even looking at her.

{The message is delivered, so it's up to you to decide what you want to do.}

{Also, thanks for the concern. I'm fine if you were ever wondering.}

{I know that. No need to be condescending with me.} Scarlet told the lucario, arms crossed.

{Alright. Be there in a couple of minutes. Or not. I don't know.}

Aurora's attitude was brushing her the wrong way and was irritating her a little.

{You know, Aurora, no matter how hard you try to change, it will mean nothing if you do it only for others. If you really want to change, you should do it for yourself. If not, you'll stay the same crybaby and bitchy lucario that you are. Sorry if I sound a bit cruel, but someone has to tell you that from time to time, especially if it's true.}

{...Okay. Thanks for the encouragement. Your tongue always has been your strongest attack.}

{Why you…}

Irritation was morphing into anger. She had had enough of her attitude. However, she took a deep breath and calmed herself. While doing so, she rethought her moment with Sally. She knew that Aurora was in pain, and if she just turned away and ignored her friend, she would be no better than those who had rejected her and Sally. When calm, she slowly floated next to the blue jackal and laid her hands on the fence.

{Look, I'm sorry. I know that you're making efforts, but I don't think you're doing it for the right reasons. If a defeat affects you that much, I'm scared for your future. You don't have any power over whatever and whoever is around you. What you can do is change yourself.}

{Hpmf. You make it sound like it's easy.}

{It isn't, but the power to do so is in your hands. If you don't like the way things are, just do something about it.}

{...}

{I know I've said a couple of times that I don't appreciate you, and to be honest, I still don't like you very much. However…}

Listening intently, Aurora turned to look at her.

{You're probably telling yourself that I'm not saying that for you, but for master, which is true. However, you being sad and worried will make master sad and worried too, so... What I'm trying to say is that I... I'm starting to see you guys as... friends.}

Aurora could hardly believe it. Scarlet, the angry introvert that hates everyone and everything, was actually telling her that she was a friend. The last time she was touched that much was when she opened her heart to Max.

{...Maybe everyone can change, after all.} Aurora said, glaring at the horizon again.

{If someone like me can change, even slightly, then you have no excuses not to be able to. It all depends on you.}

Both then got thoughtful silently.

{...Maybe I'll join, after all.} Aurora decided.

{Great. That's gonna make him really happy.}

{Just go ahead, I'll join a bit later.} Aurora said, backing off a bit from the fence.

{What are you planning to do?}

{Something that I should have done a while ago: taking things into my own hands.} She answered before turning and leaving the belvedere.

{Taking things into your own hands, huh? Well, I wish you all the luck in the world, then.} She mumbled to herself with a smile before teleporting away.

She then reappeared next to Max, who was near the canteen.

"So?"

{She will come, don't worry.}

"Good. I was really getting worried."

{You know, all of that stress may kill you prematurely someday.} She jested.

"I can't help it. When someone I care about feels down, I just… can't."

*Sigh* {Just don't die on me too quickly, okay?}

"Eh. Not a chance. You chose me, now you're stuck with me."

~POVC~

*Knock* *Knock*

Inside the dojo, Fushiu stood up and went towards the front door after hearing the knocking. Opening it, he saw Aurora standing there.

{Miss Aurora. What good fortune brings you here?}

{You said I wasn't mastering the aura, right? Then teach me.} She demanded, determined.