Cunning Shopping

"Okay, girls, can you take a tour of the place to make sure we don't leave anything behind?"

{Sure thing.}

The gang was about to leave Corsocoast and resume their adventure. The only delay was the need to pack up their stuff.

{Why so worried?} Scarlet asked, sitting on the bed with crossed legs. {If we ever forget something, I can always teleport back here and grab it.}

"And what if the room is already occupied?"

{It wouldn't bother me, anyway. And besides, I could always mind-wipe their frail human minds, maybe even implant some nightmares in them just for the fun of it.}

"You know, it's talk like that that makes me wonder how come we get along so well. We have such different views on a lot of things." Max remarked while sitting next to her.

{Maybe you like being with a psychotic and sexy pokemon.} She theorized before grabbing one of his hands to gently stroke it.

"Hehe, you know I do. Girls with issues seem to be my thing, I guess." He replied, looking at his companions walking around the place.

{And yet, you helped all of us with that. For my part, you managed to create a smooth and docile side of me. Taught me that a life only filled with violence is an aimless one.}

"I didn't do much." He chuckled modestly, scratching the side of his head.

{But you did. More than you actually think. When will you understand that you're a special human?}

"Maybe when I make a really big and decisive change in our lives."

*sigh* {Males and their huge vision.}

"What's exactly the problem with that?"

{You're seeing too big, that's why you have trouble getting what we are telling you. When you understand that small things matter too, maybe you'll feel better about yourself.}

"Is that what you're doing?"

At that question, Scarlet stared at Max in silence before sighing slightly.

{I'm trying. I'm trying and as you can see, I'm becoming more like you. Little by little.}

"Like me? In which way?"

Again, Scarlet stayed silent while looking away.

{...Let's talk about it another day, shall we?}

"...Okay." Max agreed, not understanding at all. "Anyway, I think we're ready to go. Can you call Luna over?"

{Sure.} Scarlet nodded before sending a telepathic message to the zoroark. {She should be here in a moment.}

"Great. So, who's walking and who's not?"

{I don't really feel like walking, so pokeball for me.} Aurora told him.

{Pokeball for me too.} May told him next.

{I wanna walk with you.} Bonny said excitedly.

{Me too.} Dusk replied as well.

With a nod, Max then grabbed his backpack and left with his three companions. A few minutes later, they were now outside as the shining sun's rays enveloped them. Nearby, Luna was waiting for them in her human form.

{Alright, I'll get back to you once you leave the city.} Scarlet announced to Max as soon as she saw her.

"Sure thing."

{Already?} Luna questioned.

{What do you mean?} Scarlet asked, curious about her rude interrogation.

{Nothing in particular, but I believe we're not in a rush. A good breakfast before resuming our journey would be nice.}

{She's right.} Bonny agreed. {We don't have to race against the clock for anything, so why not go eat at that restaurant thingy again?}

"Well, I guess we could get a nice meal before leaving this place."

{...I suppose.} Scarlet expressed, half interested.

At that, the group went on towards the pokemon-friendly restaurant they tried last night. As they were walking while trying their best to avoid taking overcrowded streets for Scarlet, Max noticed a mall at the end of the street they were passing by.

"You know, girls, since we earned some money, I suggest we go do some shopping."

{Ah, yes. That would be great.} Bonny enthusiastically approved.

{Shopping? What for?} Scarlet asked. {We already have pretty much everything we need.}

"We have the bare minimum. Personally, I think it wouldn't hurt to have some stuff to kill time during the nights. You know, like a board game or something."

{And what are those 'bored games'?}

"Something really nice and fun, you'll see. Also, I think I'm due for new clothes." Max pointed out while passing a finger through a hole on his shirt.

{If you say so.} Scarlet replied, still not seeing the point in clothing.

{That's just a waste of money, if you ask me. You should just go naked all the time, like us pokemon.} Bonny told him with a tiny grin.

"We already talked about this countless times. We humans can't walk around with our business out for everyone to see."

{But you don't have to worry about that when we're all alone in the woods. There are only pokemon or animals in there.}

"Hem…"

{That's a good point right there.} Luna remarked.

"I'd rather not."

{Why?} Scarlet asked.

"Well, for starters, you never know when a human can pop out, let alone a young child. Also, that's not even mentioning those damn pesky mosquitoes. And to finish, nights are becoming colder. Do you want me to continue or was that enough?"

{Alright, we get it.} Bonny gave up, disappointed. {It would spoil the fun of ripping your clothes off you, anyway.}

"Glad we sorted that out." (Good thing, though, because I was actually out of arguments.)

[That's what I thought.] Scarlet replied in his head with a small grin.

[Shut up.]

As Scarlet was messing around with her master, the group arrived at the restaurant a couple of minutes later and then proceeded inside. As Max expected, it was rather crowded since it was breakfast time. But like last time, a pleasant aroma of delicious food invaded each of their nostrils, opening up their appetite even more.

{Great, our spot is still empty.} Scarlet announced while pointing at the place they sat last time.

"Really convenient," Max commented a second before a waitress welcomed them.

"Good morning. Welcome to our restaurant." She politely greeted the group.

"Hi. Can we be seated at that table over there, please?" Max quickly suggested before someone else takes it.

"Of course." The waitress answered with a smile while giving Scarlet a quick glance. "Follow me."

After a short distance and some stares here and there because of Scarlet's unique coloring, they were sitting again at the most isolated part of the building.

"I'll be back in a moment. Can I offer you some coffee or water?"

"Coffee would be nice. What about you, girls?"

Luna answered 'no' with a hand gesture.

{Actually, I'm a bit thirsty.} Bonny replied.

{I'm okay, too.} Dusk responded.

"Just one glass of water, please."

"Understood. Be back in a moment."

As soon as the waitress was gone, Max took this opportunity to release his other pokemon; Jade, May and Aurora.

{Yay! Yummy food again!} The mawile exclaimed before sitting on Max's lap.

{Good thinking, for once. I was hungry.} Aurora commented.

"I know you're always hungry," Max replied before giving her a weak and discreet slap on the rear, at which she only blushed before taking a seat. "And before I forget, I was planning on doing some shopping after breakfast before leaving the city. Are you okay with that?" He asked the rest of them.

{You do as you want.} Aurora answered with a half-interested tone.

{Oh, that could be fun. Count me in.} May responded enthusiastically.

"Haha, it was to be expected from my little ball of joy," Max said, petting the smiling mawile. "Jade?"

{I…} She started while looking at Scarlet, and oddly, for once, she was just looking away from her. {I think I'll pass on that one.}

"Are you sure?"

{Yes. I don't really know what that shopping thing is, so I wouldn't know what to do.}

"It's a place where we can buy useful stuff."

{Ah. Okay. Well, I trust that you'll take what is necessary, so there is no need for me to slow you down.}

"Don't exaggerate. You can't possibly slow anyone down in a mall, especially since a gardevoir doesn't really walk."

{No need to insist, master. She already said no, so you don't have to harass her.} Scarlet told him from her seat.

For a second, Max was surprised at how considerate she was being towards Jade, but quickly remembered that this was Scarlet, therefore getting that she was saying that just to look nice while also indirectly telling that she didn't want to see her around.

"...Alright, I'll get you something nice if I see one."

She wanted to say thanks, but being uncomfortable by the situation and Scarlet being almost next to her, she only stayed silent while looking away.

Shortly after, the waitress was back with the menu, a glass of water, and a cup of coffee.

"Does anyone else want water?" Max asked, specifically to the three new pokemon around the table, with what they all answered no.

Just like yesterday, they ordered their food and ate while having fun. The only difference being that Max was feeding May, who was still on his lap, with small and tasty iron-rich meat nuggets. After a while, he had to tell her to calm down as she was licking and sucking his fingers a bit more than necessary, and suggestively, after each bite.

"How was your meal?" Max asked after all of their plates were empty.

{It was delicious. Just like last time.} Bonny replied, with everyone else agreeing with her sentiment.

"Great. Now, time to go burn all those calories running around shopping."

After paying for the quite expensive meal, they return and go in the direction of the mall Max saw earlier. A few minutes later, they arrived and proceeded inside it. The building was quite large and divided with many shops inside.

"Okay, girls, stick together so you don't get lost."

{I can find my way in a dense forest, so I believe that I can manage to navigate in an all-open human house.} Aurora pointed out.

"It's not a house but a mall, for starters. And secondly… I suppose that analogy makes sense."

{I don't want to leave master, so I agree.} Bonny commented while sticking up closer to Max.

{It will be a bit more convenient that way.} Luna remarked.

{It's cute and all, but where do we start?} Scarlet demanded.

"Good question," Max replied, looking around. "With the first store we need to go to, I guess."

{Always impressed by your sense of organization.} She jested.

"It's the first time I've been here, so how can I plan anything ahead?"

{I don't know, you figure it out.} She teased with a grin.

{Anyway, judging by the size of this place, it's gonna take a while to find what we need.} Aurora commented.

"It shouldn't take that long; we just buy what we need and then leave."

{Let's go then. The sooner we're done here, the sooner we can leave.} Scarlet expressed hastily.

"Not wanting to come off as rude, but how come you wanna accompany us? A mall is a place with many, many humans."

{Looks pretty calm to me.} She pointed out after scanning the place.

Immediately, Max now noticed how the mall wasn't as populated as he would expect.

"Huh. You're right. I guess it's still a pretty small mall compared to others. Meh, works for me, I suppose." Max shared before they began to walk throughout the building.

The whole group was now sightseeing anything that caught their eye.

"Okay, girls, if you ever spot something interesting, make sure to tell me," Max informed his friends, with no response in return. "...Girls?..."

Turning his head back, Max then noticed that everyone but Luna had disappeared, leaving him alone with the zoroark.

"Wha-... Luna, where did they go?"

{Pretty much all around.} She told him calmly.

"Dammit! That wasn't the plan."

{Relax, little pup, they just want to enjoy what humans can offer in a place like this. Anyway, you're the one that's gonna buy what's necessary, so no need for them to follow you everywhere.}

*sigh* "I guess. I just thought that this could be a fun activity we could all do together."

{I do admit that it was a bit rude of them to wander off like that, but they probably want to experience new stuff for themselves on their own. They won't if they're always on you, even if I believe they like it.} Luna comforted him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"...True. They do need their personal space every once in a while, as well as myself sometimes."

{Indeed. Anywho, there is a benefit to this turn of events.}

"Which is?..." He asked, looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

{Maybe now we could both go on a date again.} She stated with a smile.

"A-A date?" Max repeated, slightly blushing.

{Unless you're ashamed to walk beside me. Hmphf.} She cutely pouted.

"No, no, of course not. No. It's mainly because we might look like a… couple?"

{And?} She replied, now crossing her arms.

"And… nothing, I guess," Max answered, blushing even more. "L-let's go then." He concluded before starting to walk again beside his zoroark.

{Should we hold hands?} She cheekily teased.

"Don't overdo it."

{Haha.}

As they were proceeding through the mall, they arrived at a clothing shop that seemed interesting.

"Let's start with some clothes. Mine are getting old and I don't have a lot of them." Max proposed, with Luna simply nodding.

No sooner than a few seconds after they got in, a female employee appeared and greeted them.

"Hi. Welcome to CrossClothes. If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask." She greeted with a smile.

"Thanks."

With her smile fading a bit after briefly looking at Luna, the girl left them to work on some racks. Max then walked between the racks and piles of clothes with Luna walking on her own a bit further. After a little while, he grabbed two pairs of jeans; a black one and a dark blue one.

{Saw something interesting?} Luna asked, suddenly next to him.

"These look good. I'll try them on."

Both of them then went to the back of the store where the cabins were. He took an empty one and began to try them on. A minute later, he exited the cabin with the new dark-blue jeans on.

"How do I look?"

{Fantastic.} The zoroark answered, giving a thumbs-up.

"Don't exaggerate. It's pretty much the same jeans as I always wear."

{And you look fantastic in them.}

Rolling his eyes, Max then went back in.

"Thanks for the compliment, I suppose." He said behind the door.

{You suppose a lot of things, if you ask me.}

"I sup… Don't know what you're talking about."

This time, it took Max a little more time to put the pants on, letting out some grunting sounds.

{Do you need help?} Luna proposed, now near the entrance of the door.

"No, no, I'm fine."

A couple of seconds later, Max stepped out.

"A little bit tight, don't you think? Not to mention uncomfortable."

{Maybe... But the sight sure doesn't displease me.} She said while looking down.

Raising an eyebrow, Max went in front of a body mirror.

"Oh," Max mumbled while going red when he noticed that his package was rather visible in those jeans.

He then quickly went back inside with his back facing Luna.

{I hope you'll consider taking that one.} She giggled, teasing him.

"Not a chance. It blocks my blood circulation too much."

{I see. What a shame, then.} She conceded, amused.

~POVC~

Further away, Dusk, May, and Jade had gone to a candy store across another path.

{Shouldn't we have stayed with him?} The unsure gardevoir asked them.

{Relax, it's no biggie.} May reassured. {He'll survive. Anyway, his shopping sounded boring.}

{...If you say so.}

{This, however, is more fun.} May told her while entering the shop.

As soon as they were in, a strong but sweet smell entered their nostrils.

{It smells good, even though it is a bit strong.} Dusk commented.

{I know, right? Let me show you the best candies.} The mawile urged while walking fast between the racks.

While doing so, May shared with them what were the best candies she already tasted. Dusk and Jade couldn't really agree as neither of them have tasted candies before.

{You never had one?!} May exclaimed.

{I never really had the chance to try out some.} Dusk pointed out.

{Me neither.} Jade followed.

{Well, it's time to take care of some injustices.}

{How? We don't have money. Master has it.} Dusk reminded.

At that, May grinned at them.

{Let me show you a little something.}

Exiting one alley, May looked with the others for one that had a human working there. When she found one, she moved closer to him while looking at a jar next to him. She glared at it and did her best fake sad expression she could muster. She even scratched the jar a little so as to look even sadder.

"Is there something wrong?" The employee asked when he noticed her.

"...Mawile." She told him sadly.

"Do you want them?" He asked, with what May replied with a shy nod. "Can't your trainer get you one?" He confusingly demanded.

She shyly shook her head in response. Examining the pokemon, the employee softly sighed and briefly looked around before giving her a handful of candy.

"There you go, little one. You can even share them with your friends, but this has to stay between us."

"Mawile!" May exclaimed with stars in her eyes.

With a thankful nod, she turned around to join her two friends. They then looked at her in confusion.

{Just a little trick I learned with my previous trainer. Since he almost never gave me treats, I had to come up with something.} She explained while giving them a portion of her candies.

{I know that feeling.} Jade commented.

{That wasn't very honest. Master could have got us some.} Dusk expressed, not very comfortable about it.

{Come on, we didn't hurt anyone. Anyway, master has better things to buy. It's not like they're gonna run out of candies with that small amount.}

Dusk hesitated a moment.

{...I guess.} She finally conceded, taking some too.

~POVC~

{What are we looking for, exactly?} Aurora asked while walking with Scarlet and Bonny.

{Nothing in particular. We just wander around in case we see something interesting.} Bonny replied.

{If I didn't know you, I would guess that it's just a pretext for not following master in his shopping.} Scarlet insinuated.

{Nonsense. Just because whatever he's doing sounds boring doesn't mean that I want to escape it.}

{Of course not. Say, why are you even with us?} Scarlet asked the lucario.

{Keeping an eye on you.} Aurora nonchalantly replied.

{Uh huh.}

As they were walking, Bonny noticed an odd store. The front was mainly glass with black curtains hiding whatever there is behind it and a closed glass door. A female human silhouette was drawn in neon above it.

{Hey...} Bonny started, bumping Scarlet with one of her elbows. {Bet you anything that that store over there is one of those adult stores I heard about.}

{It obviously is. So?}

{Why not take a peek inside?}

Scarlet then examined the front of the shop for a few seconds.

{You know what, I'm quite interested now. I always wanted to see in person what kinds of kinky stuff a human like master is into.}

{What do you say, Aurora? Wanna join?}

{What? In there? Why?}

{Aren't you curious about a human's fantasies?}

{Why should I?}

{It could inspire you and be creative while with master.}

{I… That's just dumb.} Aurora nervously responded, turning around to hide her blush.

{Eh, do as you want. Personally, I'm very curious.} Scarlet said while floating towards the shop.

{If you change your mind, you know where we are.} Bonny told her, following the gardevoir.

{...Damnit.} Aurora growled before joining them.

{I wonder what this says.} Bonny asked when she noticed the big poster on the door.

{It says that you must be at least 18 years or older to enter.} Scarlet informed.

{Why is that?}

{Don't you remember? Humans become adults at 18.}

{Ah. I do now.}

Without any further ado, Scarlet pushed the door open and proceeded inside with her two companions. The inside was just like you would expect from a human sex-shop: dildos of different sizes, lubes, condoms, and many other toys that neither of them had a single clue of what they were. As soon as they began to browse the place, a rather suspicious-looking man behind a counter glared at them. Passing by, Scarlet only glared back at him.

"This is no place to wander around here. If you have no business or a trainer with you, you have nothing to do here." The man told them severely.

At that, Scarlet stopped in front of him, eyes locked on his.

"Are you deaf? No-"

Before he could finish his sentence, Scarlet used Hypnosis on him. Suddenly, he went silent and only got back to whatever business he was intending to, ignoring them as if nothing happened.

{Was it really necessary?} Bonny asked, walking back to her. {I mean, I don't mind, but I hope it won't attract us any trouble.}

{Don't worry, I just convinced him that we are his regular and most trustworthy customers, nothing more.} She assured before floating towards an alley.

With a sigh, Bonny followed her.

{...Holy crap! Do you see the size of that thing?!} Bonny exclaimed loudly when she saw a huge black dildo. {Can humans really be that big?}

{It can happen.} Scarlet simply answered while surveying around.

*gulp* {Damn. Poor girls. Really glad master isn't like that.}

{You tell me.}

{Seriously, what are we doing here?} Aurora asked after she joined them, a little perturbed by the place.

{Just having a little fun between girls. Where's the problem with that?} Bonny inquired.

{Nothing. I just hope master doesn't see us here.}

{I don't think he'll ever have a reason to get in here.} Scarlet pointed out.

{Yeah. He has us.} Bonny proclaimed proudly. {But why are you even worried he catches us in this place?}

{I am not. It's just that...} Aurora replied, rubbing her shoulder while looking away.

{Just what?}

{I believe that she's just a bit afraid that master might misunderstand that we think he's not doing his job properly. Am I right?} Scarlet asked with a small grin.

{Don't be ridiculous, will you?} Aurora denied.

{Don't be so dramatic.} Bonny said while continuing her tour. {From what I heard from these places, the worst that could happen is that we or he finds something to spice up our nights.}

Immediately after she was done speaking, Bonny stopped to stare in a particular direction.

{What is it?} Scarlet asked, getting next to her.

{What do you think is over there?}

Bonny was pointing to a doorway, which seemed to reveal stairs that were going down.

{Only one way to find out.} Scarlet answered before heading towards it.

{Hey, wait for me.} Bonny told her while following.

With another sigh, Aurora did the same. Going down, the three of them arrived in a smaller version of the shop above, but with more 'special' merchandise. At first glance, the toys in it seemed to be specifically for…

{Am I going insane, or is this place a sex shop for pokemon?} Bonny expressed, a bit flabbergasted.

{Looks like it. I must admit that I didn't expect that.} Scarlet replied, looking at the huge variety of dildos and masturbators.

{First time here?}

At the bottom of the room was a gardevoir with quite long and slightly dark-green hair also behind a counter, sitting and reading a book. Obviously, Scarlet's first reaction was to glare in distaste at the pokemon.

{First time at all.} Bonny said.

{Ooh, sex-shop virgins. My favorites.} She mildly enthusiastically exclaimed before standing up.

Floating towards them, Bonny was a bit surprised by the gardevoir because she was abnormally taller than Scarlet. She might even be slightly taller than their master.

{I'll be more than happy to show you around if you so wish.} She proposed with a smile.

{No need t-}

{That would be cool.} Bonny replied, cutting off Scarlet.

{Right this way, please.}

The green gardevoir then led Bonny and Aurora, with Scarlet reluctantly following them to a side of the room.

{Here are all the new arrivals of this month. We have lopunny's and gallade's dildos, but I'm afraid we don't have lucario's, yet.}

{How so?} Bonny asked curiously.

{Unfortunately, lucarios are very rare customers, so we offer a lot less stuff for them. Actually, I don't remember seeing one since I started working here.}

{It's not like I'm gonna cry about it, anyway.} Aurora pointed out, indifferent.

{Really? Will another 'format' suit you better?}

{Not really.}

{Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Well, will you be interested in our new model?} The gardevoir now asked to Bonny while showing her a male lopunny dildo.

{Well, first of all, it's a little too small. And second, not really my thing.}

{Not your thing? Oh, I think I get what kind of customers you are. Follow me.} She proposed to them, still smiling.

Further, the pokemon shopkeeper floated in front of a wooden panel. She then opened it, revealing a decent amount of human dildo models. From tiny to even bigger than the ones they saw upstairs.

{I had a feeling you were about human merchandise.}

{What. The. Hell?} Bonny vocalized with wide-open eyes while taking out the biggest one. {It's almost the size of my freaking body!}

{We get all kinds of pokemon here; from a small charmander to a big feraligatr.}

{Not wanting to criticize, but what's the point of having those down here if you also have them upstairs?}

{Ah, a very good question that can be very easily answered. You see, this shop is pokemon-exclusive, which means humans aren't allowed here, except if specifically demanded.}

{Why is that?} Bonny questioned.

{Pokemon have needs as much as humans, and that, not all humans understand that. Even worse, some pokemon have certain fantasies that they could never realize with their trainer, so we help them to live it, even if just a little.}

{Okay, I get the merchandise purpose, but why specifically hide this place?}

{For privacy purposes. Some humans understand and are okay with the fact that pokemon can also be sexually active. But, the thing they don't all know is that their pokemon sometimes don't necessarily dream about a pokemon, but a human instead, mostly about their own trainer. So to not be embarrassed or afraid to be disapproved by their trainer, they come and buy here all alone and we get them a little box where they can store their toys without their trainer knowing what's really inside.}

{It's a good idea, but will the trainer eventually find out?} Aurora asked.

{Not really if they store it in their pokeball.}

{Inside the pokeball?} Bonny repeated, a bit confused.

{Why yes. You didn't know pokemon could do that?}

{Not really. I never thought about it.}

{Well, within reason and limit, a pokemon can take and store an object or two in their pokeball.}

{What are those limits?} Scarlet demanded.

{Just a few inorganic items can be brought there and can't be bigger or heavier than the pokemon itself.}

{Inorganic?} Scarlet repeated with a raised eyebrow.

{Simply speaking, a pokeball is programmed to dematerialize the DNA of only one living thing; obviously a pokemon. But it's also programmed to authorize few non-organic objects to follow, like mega stones or a scarf.} She explained while pointing at Bonny's scarf.

{Heh, the more you know. So in short, this shop is for pokemon that can't mate with a human so they can feel a bit less bad about it in secret in their pokeball?} Bonny said while eyeing back the human dildos rack.

{It's not only for that, but it is one of our goals.}

{Huh. Impressive, I must say.}

{What about humans?} Aurora asked, making everyone eye her.

{I'm not sure I understand your question.} The tall gardevoir said with a confused smile.

{Upstairs is for humans with humans. Here, it's for pokemon with a pokemon or with a human, but what about humans with pokemon?}

{Ah! You mean like single humans into pokemon, right?}

{Something like that. Could they be allowed here?}

{Unfortunately no. But the customer can ask my colleague upstairs and get what he needs here. However, since he's a lazy idiot, I mostly go upstairs myself. We can also pick up the command so we can have it delivered.}

{I pity those who ask him. He sounded like an asshole.} Scarlet remarked.

{I'm not certain about that since we don't spend time together after work. However, he's very professional when here.}

{If you say so.}

One toy then caught Bonny's eye.

{Oh my. This one looks really similar to master's.} She commented while taking one in the middle.

Scarlet then looked over her shoulders.

{Hmm... The length is right but master's is slightly thinner.}

{You think? Looks pretty much the same to me.}

{I'm sure she's right.} The gardevoir vendor said to Bonny. {We gardevoirs are very demanding when it comes to girth, so we really have a good eye for that. For those who experiment a little, that is.}

{Is that so?} Bonny replied.

{You never noticed how small my hips are?} Scarlet inquired.

{Well, yeah but, I never asked myself the question if everything must be the correct proportions.}

{Well, it is.}

{Indeed. To be honest, even that one is a little too big for me. It must have hurt the first time you did it with him.} The dark green gardevoir pointed out.

{Not really your concern.} Scarlet replied, annoyed.

{Scarlet!} Bonny scolded.

{No, she's right. I shouldn't have asked something so personal. I'm sorry.} She sincerely apologized.

{How about you, then? Did it hurt?} Bonny asked the pokemon vendor.

{With a gallade?...}

{With a human.}

{Oh. Sorry if I gave you that impression, but I'm not into humans.}

{No? What about that human upstairs?}

{Oh, god, no. Like I said earlier, he's just a colleague. He wouldn't even be my type, anyway. The only thing for me is a gallade, especially those who are tall with big blades and a bit rebellious. Ahh, just thinking about one makes my legs all weak.}

{We don't really need details.} Scarlet commented a bit bluntly.

{So you're with a gallade?} Bonny inquired.

{Not quite. I had few adventures here and there, but nothing serious. I had a good time, but none of them were good enough. They were nice and all, but I never had the "spark" with any of them. Someday maybe.}

Scarlet then rolled her eyes before looking around some more.

{But pardon my lack of professionalism. Are you perhaps interested in something in particular?}

{Not really. We were pretty much only curious about this shop. Anyway, master is doing a pretty decent job at keeping us satisfied.} Bonny replied.

{Most of the time.} Aurora nagged in her corner.

{Oh, I understand.}

For a split second, the gardevoir looked a bit disappointed but quickly brightened up.

{I know!...} She exclaimed while going over a rack and took out a tiny flask. {Since you are new here and you seem very nice, I want to give you this.} She said before giving it to Bonny.

{What is it?}

{Just a small potion that can help your trainer be more receptive.}

{I don't get it.}

{She says that this thing will make master easier to rape.} Scarlet simply guessed.

{Oh, no. It's not a rape drug, if you were wondering. No, it's just a little but strong aphrodisiac that boosts one's lust. It won't make them say yes instead of no, but only help to make them more persuasive.}

{I can do it on my own, so what's the point?} Scarlet pointed out.

{I don't doubt it, but it's mostly for non-psychic type pokemon. Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I understood, he doesn't go with only one of you.} She guessed, at which no one answered. {It can come in handy if my fellow gardevoir here isn't in the mood or present and one of you is. It's not much, I agree, but it may come in handy.}

{She's not entirely wrong.} Bonny pointed out while looking at Scarlet. {We'll take it. Thanks.}

{Just promise me that if you ever want to shop again, you'll come here.}

{Sure thing.} Bonny assured.

They then left the lower part of the shop after Bonny said goodbye and exited the sex shop.

{That was quite… instructive.} Bonny commented.

{More or less.} Scarlet said.

{It's quite sad how much people or pokemon need those things.} Aurora commented.

{Sad? How? Personally, I think this kind of shop helps a lot for those who are in very much need.} Bonny shared.

{Matter of a point of view, I suppose.}

{Well... what now?} Scarlet asked.

{I want to look around a bit more. We might find something even cooler than the sex-shop.} Bonny answered.

{Right behind you, then.}

The three groups then explored the mall in hopes to find what they desired. After the candy shop, May, Dusk and Jade found a little playground. A huge part was for human kids, but a smaller one could be used by pokemon; both May and Dusk had a good time while Jade sat on a bench, looking at them. For Scarlet, Bonny, and Aurora, they came across a domestic animal pet shop. It didn't interest Scarlet and Aurora that much, but Bonny couldn't help but gaze at small and large bunnies behind the glass wall in awe. Eventually, Aurora got a bit into it when she spotted a few dogs she found cute. For Max and Luna, they kept moving between shops to buy what he thought could be useful. After a while, he pretty much got all he needed and was now entering a grocery store; he bought a few rations in case of an emergency and was now in the pokemon food alley for the same reason.

~POVC~

{Are you sure this is really necessary? We can all take care of ourselves in the wilderness.} Luna mentioned that fact.

"I know, but I prefer to be prepared, just in case. You never know."

{I don't really have any arguments to convince you otherwise.} Luna conceded, unable to stop him from being way too caring.

{Oh, there you are, master. I knew I recognized that voice.} Bonny called when passing in front of their alley.

"Hi. Had fun?"

{Quite. Humans might be disgusting and stupid, but they can be… creative sometimes.} Scarlet told him.

"Glad you liked your little tour."

{What's with the new backpack?} Bonny inquired, pointing at the new backpack he had on his back.

"You like it? I bought it in the last store we went to. It was 25% off and it's a bit bigger than my last one."

{What did you do with the old one?} Aurora asked.

"I tried to resell it to the vendor, but they didn't want it, so I threw it away after transferring all of my stuff."

{I see.}

"Oh, and you should see what I got us," Max said enthusiastically before putting his backpack down and opening it. "I bought a few board games..." He started while showing them four small board games. "...new clothes for me, new brushes and hair conditioners for furry pokemon."

{Hair conditioner?} Aurora repeated, questioning the utility of it.

"Yes. The vendor told me that those will make your fur super extra soft. You will also smell really good." He explained, unplugging the top of one. "Try it."

Aurora then took a small whiff of it.

{Hm, not bad.}

{Let me try.} Bonny said before snatching the bottle from her. {Damn, it's more than not bad. It smells like heaven.} She commented before giving it to Scarlet.

{Shit. We'll smell way too girly with that.} The gardevoir remarked.

"What's wrong with that?" Max questioned while putting it back in his backpack.

{I don't know. Just not used to it.}

"Well, I really like my girls being the prettiest ever."

After that, Max showed off a few other things he bought so the nights in the wild would be less boring.

{You must be broke after all of this.} Scarlet commented, hoping it wasn't the case.

"Not as much as you think, but it indeed cost quite a lot. Not sure I would be able to buy all of this twice."

{We don't really need money in the woods, so it's not much of a problem.} Luna pointed out.

"True, but it's always reassuring to know that you have some backup pocket money for when we're not."

{So, that means we're good to go?} Aurora said, starting to get eager to leave.

"Hem… not quite."

{And why is that?}

"I still need to go to one more shop."

{Why did you not go there before coming here?}

"Because I needed you girls to be with me. More specifically, you, May, and Scarlet. Maybe Bonny, even."

Except for Luna, they all looked at him funnily.

"You'll understand when we get there. Come on. Let's go get the others." Max explained before motioning them to follow.

When out, Max immediately went to look for his remaining companions. They didn't have to go far as he saw them walking towards them.

"Hi, girls. Had fun?"

{Yes. This place is very fun!} May said, feeling very joyful. {It's a shame we didn't come here sooner.}

"Yeah. If only I had known how cool it was here."

{You couldn't have known. You didn't have a reason to come here in the first place.} Luna reassured.

"Still. Anyway, we still have one place to go before leaving."

{Where is it?} Dusk asked.

"You'll see," Max answered simply before turning back to head towards wherever he needed to go.

As they were following their master, Max's pokemon were mumbling behind him, wondering what he could possibly have in store for them. After a couple of minutes of walking, their questions were half-answered when he entered a shop named 4UrPoke-companion.

{Weird name.} Scarlet commented.

"For once, I agree."

As they were progressing inside the shop, Max's companions quickly noticed that it was pretty much mostly, if not completely, for pokemon. Bonny, Aurora, and Scarlet saw a strong similarity with this store and the pet shop in terms of items, which Scarlet didn't appreciate much. Without stopping, Max led them to the accessory part of the store.

{Oh, you want an accessory for Aurora's mega stone. I should have guessed.} Scarlet remarked.

"Yes, and for the others, too."

{I already have one.} Bonny pointed out.

"I know, but maybe you'll find something you like even more here."

{I doubt it. You chose this one for me.} She replied, looking at her small red scarf with her lopunnite.

Internally sighing, Max couldn't help but smile.

"Well, keep in mind that I won't be sad if you want one you like more. The same goes for both of you." Max said to May and Scarlet.

{I really like mine, even though I don't have a mega stone, yet.} May replied while gently rubbing the hair scrunchies she still had.

"True. Honestly, I can't think of anything cuter for you. And don't worry, I'll get you your mega stone. I promised you." Max reassured, petting her.

Max then noticed Scarlet doing the same with her choker, rubbing the empty hole for a mega stone with a slightly sad expression.

"You too, Scarlet, don't worry." He affirmed with a lighthearted smile.

{I'm not. I know I'll have one eventually.} She assured while quickly smiling.

"Maybe we can look and see if they have mega stones here."

{It costs nothing to check, I suppose.}

Max then felt someone tugging on his shirt and saw it was Dusk.

{Will it be necessary to buy an accessory for those who can't mega evolve?}

Max was about to say no but understood just in time what her question was really hiding.

"Maybe not something with a spot for a mega stone, but I can still get you a little something to make you even prettier."

{...Okay.} She acknowledged with a small smile.

{Wait, now that we're talking about those mega stones and things we can put one on, don't you have a spare one?} Scarlet mentioned, barely remembering.

"Spare one? What are you talking about?"

{I don't remember what it was, but I think you bought one more because you weren't sure of something.}

"One more?... Oh! I think I remember as well." Max replied before dropping his backpack. "I didn't know what it was, so I kept it, anyway, just in case."

After a short moment of searching, Max pulled out a necklace that could hold a mega stone.

"I think it was for you, Scarlet."

{Yeah. You didn't know which one I would like between that and my choker, so you bought both.}

{Our little pup is so romantic and caring.} Luna praised proudly.

"Maybe." Max retorted, blushing. "Surely Aurora wouldn't like it."

Aurora then briefly glanced at the jewelry.

{It's a little too girly. But…}

"But what?"

Aurora then hesitated.

{...But if we don't find anything, I wouldn't have much of a choice. However, between how I look and power, I'll choose power.} She told him, looking away in embarrassment.

"Don't worry, I'll try to find something that suits you. Though if we do, I wonder what I'll do with this." He replied, glancing at the necklace in his open palm.

{Maybe…} Dusk shyly started. {...I could try it on…}

After her suggestion, Max immediately turned to Dusk and held the necklace up from each end to put it in his foreground sight while the braixen was in the background.

"Whoa! It would look awesome on you. I'm sure you would be the prettiest braixen with that."

{Give it to her, then.} Aurora suggested.

"Are you sure?"

{Yeah, yeah. I'm sure we'll find something for me. Anyway, it would indeed look good on her.}

With a nod, Max then dropped the necklace around Dusk's neck.

{Oh, it fits her perfectly.} Scarlet commented.

{It's like it was meant for her.} Luna followed.

{Is it really… that good on me?} Dusk shyly asked, madly blushing.

"Yeah. The colors fit very well on you."

{...T-thanks.} Dusk replied, looking at her necklace. {Thanks, Aurora.} She continued, barely looking at the lucario.

{N-no problem. It's nothing.} Aurora assured, also blushing.

"Well, off to find you a nice little accessory. I might as well find something for you two." Max told to Luna and Jade.

{Like a wedding ring?} Luna jested.

"Hem, I was thinking about something more… neutral?"

{That will do too, I guess.} Luna conceded, feigning being disappointed.

Now used to her personality, Max knew she wasn't really sad and was just messing with him, so he decided to ignore her and turned around to go and browse the place.

{You don't have to-} Jade lowly started before being interrupted by Luna.

"What was that?" Max asked, barely hearing it.

{Nothing. She's just grateful for your kindness.} Luna lied.

"Oh, no problem," Max replied.

After Max turned, Jade shyly looked at Luna, who briefly shook her head.

{Just take it.} Luna very lowly told her, gently patting her shoulder.

Despite herself, Jade said nothing and followed the group. Max then surveyed the alleys, looking at pretty much everything.

{That one is cool.} Aurora said behind Max.

He then saw the lucario holding a bunch of black leathery straps arranged into a small glove.

"Try it."

Doing so, Aurora had a bit of trouble wearing it due to her not-so-dexterous paws, but managed to succeed after some determination and a few swears. The leathery glove was covering a huge part of her paw with the straps passing between her two fingers and a small mega stone holder resided on the top of her paw, right below her metallic spike. It was remarkable, yet not too flashy.

"It's really cool. It fits your personality very well."

{Not bad...} Aurora commented, looking at her paw at every angle.

"You'll take it?"

Aurora looked at the strap-like glove for a moment.

{Yes. I just hope it won't get in the way of battles.}

"I don't think so. For every battle that risks breaking it, you're gonna be mega evolved, so I'm not very worried."

{Good point.}

After Aurora gave the glove to Max, they resumed the shopping.

"Something that catches your eye, Luna?"

{Hardly. I'm not really the jewelry type of girl.}

"Really? Why didn't you tell me sooner?" Max wondered.

{I wanted to give it a shot, in case something does fancy my eyes.}

"I see. Anyhow, wouldn't it suck that only you won't have anything to wear?"

{I'll survive.} She assured with a grin.

"If you say so." (I'll try to get her something, anyway.)

For a moment, Max kept walking to the end of an alley. He then saw a spiked leather collar, very similar to Scarlet's choker. The studs were modest in size and a small metallic mean-looking skull ornament was put in the middle with a hole in its mouth for a mega stone.

(Damn! That's a badass collar!)

He then began to imagine Scarlet with the collar and really liked the image. For a second, he considered to actually buy it, but he was a bit afraid of the edgy image she might reflect.

[You really like it, don't you?] Scarlet said, now next to him.

[Can't try to deny it, can I?]

[Nope. You still think that someday you will be able to shield your mind from me?]

[Sounds very intrusive when said like that.] He joked. [Anyway, I do find it cool, but I don't want to…]

[To look like that kind of trainer?]

[...]

Scarlet then eyed the collar for a few seconds.

[Take it.] She told him after putting the collar in his hands. [I do like it, too.]

[But-]

[No buts. We both like it and we don't give a shit about human opinions. Besides, who can resist wearing a human skull?]

[Everyone but you, actually. Anyway, I mostly agree, but what are you gonna do with the choker you have?]

She then pondered for a few seconds.

[I can give it to Luna. That way, we'll all have a little something from you.]

[She told me she's not interested in stuff like that. Besides, I don't think she will like it.]

[What does it cost to ask her?] Scarlet inquired while removing her choker and gave it to Max.

Max briefly switched his gaze between the choker and Scarlet before giving up. When she had something on her mind, she would not stop until it was done, no matter what. He then walked towards Luna at an unsure pace. And again, moving right towards her was still something that Max had trouble with due to her heavy and intimidating aura. When behind her, she immediately sensed him and turned around.

{Yes?} She warmly asked hands on her hips.

"I… was wondering if you'd like something like this?" Max hesitantly asked, showing her the choker.

{That's Scarlet's. Why are you asking me that?}

"Well… I…"

{I found something even better.} Scarlet intervened while showing her the spiked collar. {But I don't know what to do with it, so master thought that it could be your gift so you'd also have your own thing. He, however, didn't know if you would like something like that because it belonged to someone else first.}

Luna then took the choker and examined it a moment before looking back at Max.

{It's very nice of you, and I really appreciate the thought, but…}

"You don't like something like this, huh?"

{I'm terribly sorry, little pup. I wish I could accept a gift from you, but I want nothing around my neck.} She apologized, almost looking guilty.

"Hey, no big deal. If you really don't want something, then say no more. I mostly just feel a bit bad with you being the only one not having a little something."

{Well, I have you, don't I?} She told him with a smug and cheeky smile.

"I… Y-you can't really wear me, so…"

{She could if we decide to skin you.} Scarlet maliciously teased.

"That was dark, even for me," Max replied with an unamused expression.

{Hehe.}

{But now that I look at it, I might have an idea.}

With surprising dexterity, Luna reattached the choker on her left upper arm, right above her bicep.

{That is a place where I can accept an ornament.}

"Whoa. It oddly looks good on you. The darkness of your fur should make it really discreet and blend very well with it."

{Is that so? Well, I'm gonna take your word for it and keep it there, then.}

"Awesome. Glad you like it."

{Hard to not like a gift from my little pup.} She assured with a grin.

For a split second, Max felt a weird vibration from the sentence she just pronounced.

"The only one left is you, Jade. What would you like?"

{Hem… I don't know.}

{Maybe you can get a necklace for her, too.} Dusk proposed.

"You think so?"

{Yeah. One that fits her color, as well.}

"We can still look around for that."

At this point, Jade gave up on protesting. However, that didn't mean she was less uncomfortable about it.

"Oh, this one is perfect," Max said when he noticed a necklace a bit shorter than Dusk's and it had a green tone close to Jade's and with a red gem in the middle. "Damn, it's really expensive, though."

For a moment, Max kept glaring at the necklace, heavily considering buying it.

(I really want Jade to have something as a souvenir for when that time comes. But perhaps I should look for something more affordable.)

Quickly growing impatient, Scarlet heavily sighed and used her powers to make it disappear.

"What the…? Scarlet!" Max scolded.

{No need to worry about it now. Let's go.} She ordered before passing by him.

Before she could get far, Max caught up with her.

[What did I already tell you about stealing?]

Ignoring him, Scarlet kept moving forwards.

"Scarlet..." He pronounced her name with mild annoyance.

[I'm already against the fact that we share resources with her, but I refuse that you spend money on her. I'm making an exception about food, but not for something as useless as that.]

"I already told you that it's not that you steal per se that bothers me, it's that if you get caught or only suspected of…" Max whispered.

[Yeah, you already told me. Good thing there are no cameras here.] Scarlet pointed out, Max briefly looking upward to see she was right.

*sigh* [Look, I'm thankful that you accepted, in your own way, a small caprice of mine, but just be a bit more careful next time. Or just tell me first.]

[I know you enough that there might be a chance that you won't agree.]

[It's still better than doing something reckless without talking about it with me. You always say that we're a team, but sometimes, for someone that emphasizes a lot about it, you act on your very own.]

[If you say so.] She replied, obvious that she wanted to stop arguing here.

"We're gonna talk about it another time. For now, let's just enjoy this moment and this beautiful day."

Max then bought the accessories and left the shop.

"It goes very well on you," Max said to Aurora and Scarlet, who respectively put on the glove and spiked collar.

{You say that every time.} Aurora pointed out.

"Can't help it. It's the truth and I'm kind of proud of the choices we made."

Max's attention then got onto Scarlet with her new acquisition.

(Damn, she looks epic with that!) He exclaimed, admiring her new look.

{If we're done here, maybe we can leave at once.} Scarlet urged, going a bit red.

"Heheh, you're right. No need to spend a minute longer here. Time to hit the road once more."

{Finally.} She replied with a satisfactory sigh.

At a confident and rather impatient pace, Max and his pokemon team left the building and headed towards the edge of the city, ready to move on.