Mega Surprise

The next morning, Max was awakened by Bonny pinching his cheeks.

{Master. Wake up, master.} She said a bit impatiently.

"Ow, what is it, Bonny? Are we under attack?"

{Yes, I'm under that attack of wanting to try that mega evolution like you promised yesterday.}

{Can't this wait a bit?} Asked sleepily Scarlet.

{I don't want to. The sooner we start, the sooner I can do it.}

Max then heavily sighed.

"You sure are a piece of work Bonny. What time is it anyway?"

{Since I'm not a savage beast, I let you have at least the minimum amount of sleep.}

Max then looked at his watch.

"6:45? Come on…"

{What wrong? It's only a bit earlier than usual.} Said Scarlet.

"Every minute count when it comes to sleeping."

{Come on master.} Impatiently said Bonny while shaking him.

"Okay alright. Let's eat first and then we can go."

{Hurray.} Said Bonny while exiting the tent.

Max then looked at Scarlet while sighing.

[Just go. I'll stay here a bit longer.]

"Okay."

After Scarlet used her power to gently lift up the still asleep mawile and put her on Bonny's bed, Max stood up and headed toward his packsack, but something new in the tent caught his eyes. Where he remembers seeing Dusk for the last time, he saw a creature with the same color as her but bigger.

"Hum, Scarlet? Did you invite a friend here?"

[A friend? Nice joke master.] She said while turning around.

Her eyes then widened a bit when she saw what Max was talking about.

[I hope you're not serious master?] She said while sitting up.

"What?"

[It's Dusk, you idiot. She had evolved.]

"Really?" Exclaimed Max, a bit more loudly than intended.

"That's amazing."

Max's loud voice awakened May.

{Something wrong master?} She said while rubbing her eyes and sitting up.

"Dusk evolved May, look."

{… Oh. That's cool. First Bonny and now Dusk.}

"It is indeed."

{Master what is taking you so… long?} She said while noticing the new team member.

{Is that Dusk?}

"Yes, it is. She evolved into a… braixen if I remember correctly. I want to congrats her but I don't want to wake her up."

{I'll do it then.} Said Bonny while heading toward her.

Bonny then kneeled next to her and shook to wake her up.

{Wake up Dusk.}

Slowly stirring up from her sleep, Dusk turned around to face them before yawning and rubbing her eyes.

{What… is it?} She asked sleepily as well.

"Good morning Dusk. How do you feel this morning?"

{I feel… better actually.}

"Nice. Anything else? Feeling… different?"

{What are you…}

Dusk then looked at herself when she had a faint idea of what her master was saying.

{Whoaaa… is this for real?! I… evolved?} She exclaimed, astonished.

"I think we find out why you were feeling a bit tired yesterday. Your body was ready to evolve."

{That's… I'm… a braixen now!} She said a bit excited.

"Yes. Like Bonny, you're getting stronger."

{Bravo Dusk.} Said May.

{It's… sure is nice… ow.}

"You alright?" Asked Max.

{Yeah, just a small headache.}

{Hmm, master, what is the type of a braixen?} Asked Scarlet.

"Fire, why?"

{Only fire?}

"Hmm, honestly I don't remember. Let me check."

Max then goes to his clothes to retrieve his pokedex and searched for braixen.

"Fire and… psychic type?"

{That's what I thought. Newly evolved psychic pokemon can sometimes have headaches to accommodate their new psychic powers from their brain. I guess it's more likely to happen when the pokemon wasn't a psychic before.}

"What can we do?"

{Leave it to me. I'll ease her psychic pain with mine.}

"Alright, I'm counting on you."

{Thanks Scarlet, it's really not pleasant.}

{I'm sure it is. You can have leave her to me master. You have training to do with Bonny right?}

"Yeah."

Max then stood up, goes toward Dusk, and gives the new braixen a warm hug.

"Congrats on your evolution Dusk."

{T-Thanks master.} She said while blushing quite a bit.

Being bigger and taller, Max could hug her harder, making both of them feeling it more. As Max was about to leave, he turned around again.

"Wait. Isn't braixen supposed to have a magic wand with them?"

{Maybe, if you say they should have it. But things like that don't just appear from nowhere when a pokemon evolves.} Said Scarlet.

"I'm guessing she have to search for it after evolving."

{Probably.}

"Alright, after I'm done with Bonny, we're gonna search for a wand for you Dusk."

{… Thanks, master.}

After nodding, Max and Bonny, followed by May, exited the tent with the packsack, leaving Scarlet and Dusk alone in it.

{Isn't he sweet?} Said Scarlet while getting closer to her.

{Yes. It's hard not to love him.}

Scarlet then put her hands on Dusk's head.

{Now that you're a big and strong braixen, you can now physically show it to him.}

Dusk then looked away in embarrassment.

{I'm… not sure I'm ready for that yet.} She shyly said.

{He won't mind, I can assure you.}

{Thanks Scarlet but, I can't for now. Just thinking about the moment when I saw you and him doing… that… it's just… too much for me.}

{Alright, suits yourself. But you don't know what you're missing.}

{I can live with that for now.}

{Hm, evolving didn't make you less shy but a bit more mature, that's nice. Just come to me when you will feel ready.}

{Thanks Scarlet, you're a really good friend.}

{… Yeah. I try to be.} She said, not sure she agreed with her.

{For now, you're doing pretty well. Ow.} Said Dusk while feeling the headache again.

{Let's ease your pain first.}

{Yeah.}

With both of them closing their eyes for Scarlet to help her with her powers, Max was eating with May and Bonny outside. Having bought plates for food, he could give them the exact portion they wanted and eat like a civilized being.

{I can't wait to see how I'll look when I'll mega evolve.} Said Bonny, exited.

"I can show you if you want."

{No thanks, I want the surprise.}

"Hehe, you sure are really hyped for your mega evolution."

{Yes. But you can tell me if I'll look awesome.}

"Yes, you do. You look a lot stronger."

{Kyhaa! Can't wait to get it.} Happily said Bonny while kicking the air in excitement.

{I also want to see it. Master told me that my mega evolution looks also great.} Said May.

{Really? You're very lucky to have such awesome pokemon like us master.}

"Never said otherwise. I'll love you whatever you may look like."

{I know but, I'm sure you won't dislike a cool-looking pokemon?}

"… True."

{Khya! I knew it.} She excitedly said while hugging Max.

After they were all done eating, Scarlet and Dusk exited the tent.

"Is everything gonna be alright?" Asked Max.

{Yes. Just a few days of adjustment with my help and she will be ready to be the second psychic type of the team.} Said Scarlet.

"Great news."

Max then got a better look at Dusk, now standing and the light of the day.

"Wow Dusk, you have gotten quite cuter."

{Ah… don't… say such embarrassing… things master, but … thanks.} She shyly said while madly blushing and looking away.

{Calm down master, she just evolved, let her know her own body before exploring it.} Teasingly said, Scarlet.

"What? No, I didn't mean… that way." Said Max, looking away as well.

{Of course, you didn't.}

"Anyway, I'm off with the mega evolution of Bonny."

{Finally!} Exclaimed Excitedly Bonny while getting up.

"… I just want to quickly look at the new personal information about Dusk first." Said Max after putting back the plates in his packsack.

{Come on master, you can do that later.} Said Bonny while pulling him away from them.

Max had just the time to withdraw his pokedex and scan Dusk before he was out of reach, leaving to a quieter place. May wanted to follow by Scarlet stopped her.

{We should let them train peacefully little May.}

{But… I want to see the mega evolution.}

{And you will pretty soon, don't worry. To succeed, they have to be in sync with each other, which I'm sure it's a hard task, so if we want them to succeed, we should not disturb them.}

{… Okay.} Said May, a bit down.

{Don't worry, the more peaceful they are together, the faster you can see it.}

{Okay, I'll wait then.} She said, cheering up a bit.

{What do you say that meanwhile, we train with Dusk, so that she can get used to her new form?}

{Sure.}

May was always willing to get stronger so that her master will be more and more proud of her. While the three of them got a bit further from the tent to train, Max and Bonny had arrived in a denser part of the forest with thicker trees and a few boulders.

"Seems like a very quiet place. There's a few bug-type pokemon here and there, but not enough to disturb us."

{Yes. It's perfect.}

"Alright, let's check how to get started."

Max then searched in his pokedex for mega evolution information.

"Alright, in order to mega evolve blah blah… close to your pokemon blah blah… Ah, there it is. To initiate a mega evolution, after being in sync, both the trainer and the pokemon must touch their stones, deeply think about the other, and wish with all of their being to get stronger for them. Okay, let's try." He said while putting away his pokedex.

Facing each other, both of them touch their stones, closed their eyes, and thought about nothing else but the other one.

(I want to be strong for you.) Both of them thought while picturing the other in their head.

"Okay Bonny, mega evolve for me." Ordered Max.

{Anything for you master.} Said Bonny with determination.

Then, both of the mega stones started to glow and emitted strands of light going toward the other. Then, the strands of each side touched and fused together, making Bonny start to glow shortly after. Unfortunately, not even two seconds later, the light disappeared and Bonny was still a lopunny.

"Shit. I think it will be harder than expected."

{I won't give up until we make it.}

"That's the spirit. Let's try again."

Max and Bonny then tried, again and again, a couple more times for the same result. Not giving up, they tried over and over again. Near the end of the day, they still hadn't succeeded and were panting heavily on their knees, exhausted.

"It's… more tiring… that I could have… ever expected." Hardly said, Max.

{I agree… but I refuse… to give up. I'll pass… the whole night on it… even the whole week… if I must too.} Hardly said Bonny, frustrated but still determined.

"Alright… one more try."

After they retake they breathe, something new happens. They breathe, their heartbeat, their movements, everything was in perfect sync when they touched their stones.

"Alright Bonny, Mega evolve."

(For you.) Thought both of them at the same time.

Then, this time, the light that was engulfing Bonny stayed longer than before with Max even seeing her slowly changing form. After a moment, the light around Bonny disappeared, revealing… a mega lopunny.

"Bonny?"

Bonny was now taller, maybe almost as tall as Scarlet, slimmer but more muscular and very slightly looking more human-shaped. She was exactly like the picture said with longer ears that were looking a bit like braids, X-shaped huge eyebrows, and black fur on her chest and legs with brown patches that were making it like torn-out legging. Opening her eyes, Bonny expected her new body.

{We… did it master… we actually did it.} Said Bonny, sounding a bit happy.

"Yes Bonny, we did it." Happily said, Max.

{I feel… stronger. A lot stronger.}

"You sure do look like it."

{I can feel… the power passing through me…} She said while strongly clasping her hands into fists.

Max then saw Bonny getting slowly absent-minded.

"Bonny? You feeling… okay?" Asked Max, getting a bit worry.

{Why yes master. I never felt that good my entire life.}

Max then saw that her eyes and expression had changed a bit.

{With this body… I'm sure I can do so many things… like crushing and destroying anything."

"Calm down Bonny, I know you're excited with your new appearance but don't overdo it okay."

Ignoring him, Bonny then looked around. When she spotted a thick tree, she jumped toward it and gave a very powerful sidekick on it, destroying the part she passed through into small pieces, making the tree float in the air for a second before landing on the rest of the trunk and fall on the ground shortly after.

{So much… power…} She said a bit crazily.

"Calm down Bonny." Said Max.

Her expression had changed to a more feral one.

{I must see… how much… I can destroy.} She said, now sounding more like a psychopath.

Bonny then entered in some kind of berserk rage and destroyed everything that was in reach, making the surrounding pokemon fleeing in fear. After exploding a couple of trees with different types of kicks, she even goes for rocks.

"Bonny! Stop!" Loudly said, Max.

As she exploded a boulder with a powerful knee hit, some of the pieces hit Max with quite a bit of force. Not enough to injure him but enough to hurt him and make a few bleeding scratches. Max then go for the most reckless thing he ever did, he dashed toward her and tackled her on the ground, making her land on her back.

"Stop! It! Now!" Ordered firmly, Max.

Then, an almost horror vision appeared in front of him. Bonny's pupils were so contracted that her eyes were almost all red.

{GET OFF!} Screamed Bonny.

Bonny then pushed Max very high in the air with her powerful legs, breaking his ribcage a bit. Landing from too high a bit further, a few more bones break on the impact.

"GHAA!" Painfully screamed Max.

Not having time to check if he could stand up, Max saw Bonny in the air with an axe kick incoming toward him. With Max dodging in extremis by rolling, Bonny's heel landed very hard on the ground, making it explode like there was mine there. Being too injured, Max couldn't stand up. He could only painfully crawl to a nearby rock and tried to stand with it. Unable to, he landed on his ass with his back on the rock. After getting slowly out of the dust made by her previous attack, Bonny then launched herself again at Max for a strong Jump Kick.

"BONNY! WAKE UP!" Yelled Max at the top of his lungs.

Just as Max was about to be shredded into bloody meat pieces, he was teleported a bit further, making her exploding the rock and the ground under into fine dust. Now lying against a nearby tree, Max saw Scarlet appearing in front of him.

[What is happening, master?] Said Scarlet, worried.

"It's… Bonny."

{GHRaaaaa!} Growled Bonny through the falling dust while facing them.

"It's like she had lost control."

[Then we must get rid of her.] Said Scarlet preparing big shadow balls in each hand.

"No!" yelled Max.

"She still in there, we just have to calm her down and make her come back to reason."

[… What I won't do for you.]

Making her Shadow Balls disappearing, Bonny then launched herself again for a Jump Kick toward them. Scarlet then used Psychokinesis to stop her in mid-air, restraining her movements.

{RHAAaA!} Growled again Bonny while struggling.

[Fuck! She's a lot stronger than expected.]

"When did you learn to swear?" Asked Max.

[Not now master.]

Gathering all of her might, Bonny managed to break free from Scarlet's move by brute force.

[That's going to be one hell of a problem.]

A bit too quickly for Scarlet, Bonny charged toward her and tried to whip her with her powerful ears. Even blocking in time, the hit pushed quite a bit to the side, making her get further from Max. Not letting her the time to rest, Bonny chained with quick and powerful punches, kicks, and ear hits, making Scarlet's protect move enduring all of her moves. When Bonny went for another Jump Kick, Scarlet's protection break, unable to take it anymore and made Bonny able to hit her in the stomach. Luckily for her, the protection had absorbed the majority of the damage, making the impact more endurable, but not without breaking a rib or two of Scarlet.

"Scarlet!" Yelled Max.

{Gha!} Lowly said Scarlet in pain while getting in one knee.

{STAY. DOWN.} Growled Bonny.

{… he, hehe.}

Scarlet then stood up again and regained her composer.

{Alright…} Said Scarlet while her hands and almost all of her forearms burst in intense flames, an intensity that Max never saw.

{Physical fight it is then.} She added with a grin.

{GHRAA!} Growled Bonny before launching herself toward Scarlet, with her doing the same.

With Bonny going for a punch, Scarlet dodged it and landed a strong Fire Punch attack to the side of her head. Burning her fur and slightly her skin, Bonny goes for an ears whip again, which Scarlet dodged just in time. She then quickly goes for a reversed back punch, only to be blocked by Bonny. The mega lopunny then goes for an unexpected move, a normal headbutt. Surprised by the move, Scarlet got it on her chest, very close to her crest.

{Are you trying to kill me?} Said Scarlet with an unhealthy grin.

"Scarlet! Remember that she just had lost control. Don't go too far." Loudly said, Max.

{Don't worry master, if there is something that I learn while being with you, is that I can canalize my rage and bloodlust effectively if I want to.}

The flames on Scarlet's arms then grew again in intensity.

{Come on you soft little bunny! Show me what a cutesy like you can do.} Provoked Scarlet.

Exploding in rage, Bonny charged toward Scarlet once again with a jump kick. Waiting for the right moment, Scarlet barely dodged her move so she could hit the knee of the legs that was attacking her, making Bonny landed a bit painfully on it, but not enough to make her unusable.

[You have got tougher, I'll give you that.}

The next few hits were about them blocking most of the attacks of the other. While fighting, embers, and dust was flying all around, destroying the environment along the way due to missed attacks, with Scarlet making sure that it was not in Max's direction. Missed hit that was exploding trees or rocks, missed hit that was making small holes in the lands, the more they were fighting, the more the place was looking like a no man's land battlefield. As Scarlet was getting slowly tired, she waiting for an axe kick from her that finally came. Dodging it, Bonny made the ground around her hit exploded again in dust. Expecting Scarlet to be in front, Bonny charged forward, only to see no one.

{Are you looking for me?} Said Scarlet behind her.

Turning around, Bonny was surprised by a barrage of Fire Punch from Scarlet, finishing them with the strongest Fire Punch uppercut she could land. The hit sends Bonny flying slightly, enough to make her lose her balance and fall on her back, motionless.

{That should do it.} Said Scarlet while getting imprudently closer.

When in reach, Bonny quickly spinning her body on the ground and hit Scarlet by surprise with an ear whip, sending her fly meters away and landed on a tree.

{KHa!} Painfully growled Scarlet, coughing a bit of blood.

"Scarlet! Bonny god damnit stop!" Yelled Max.

After she stood up with several burnt marks on her, Bonny then glared at Max.

{Hey, sweety. The show is here.} Said Scarlet, unable to stand with blood flowing from her mouth.

Turning her attention back to Scarlet, Bonny walked toward Scarlet before stopped close to her.

{I win! I'M THE STRONGEST NOW!} Yelled wildly Bonny while clenching her fists.

{Eh, you sure about that?}

Bonny then saw Scarlet raising a glowing blue hand. Feeling a threat, Bonny turned toward it, only to see an incoming flying boulder toward her. Unable to dodge in time, Bonny instinctively tried to block it. As the boulder exploded on her like it hit a reinforced steel wall, Bonny was expelled meters away, making her turn back to her lopunny form before landing hard on the ground, unconscious.

{'sigh'} Sighed Scarlet in relief.

{Finally.}

Scarlet then used her power to hardly stand up and floated toward her master.

{Not too badly injured master?} She said while kneeling in front of him and used Healing Pulse on him.

"A bit but, you should heal yourself first and then you will be able to heal me properly after."

{What are you saying master? You're the priority. Besides, I may have not enough energy left for the both of us.}

"Then heal yourself, rest, and heal me after."

Not listening, Scarlet used Healing Pulse until Max was partially healed when she stopped.

"Okay, I'm alright now. Your turn."

Scarlet only response was to fell unconscious on him, unable to do anything.

"Damnit Scarlet! Wake up!" Loudly said Max while softly shaking her.

"Fucking hell! I can't believe it."

Max goes to check her pulse to see if she was still alive. To his relief, she still was.

"Holy shit you scared me, Scarlet."

Looking around, all Max was seeing is ruins. Rock pieces, mashed trees, and holes everywhere. A true warzone. After a moment of rest and since he was able to now, Max stood up, put Scarlet gently on the ground, and goes toward Bonny. He then grabbed her, put her on one shoulder, and goes toward Scarlet, grabbing her under his free arm, and walked toward the tent. Even though he wasn't that far from the tent, Max felt like it took forever to arrive since the additional weight was getting heavier at every passing second. When he arrived, Dusk and May rushed toward him.

{Master! Are you okay!} Said Dusk almost hysterically.

{I was so worried master.} Said May, almost crying.

"I'm fine girls, everyone is fine. I just have to drop them."

With Dusk opening the tent door for him, Max entered it and dropped them on one mattress each.

"Dusk, can you get some of the potions in my bag please?"

{Right away master!} Said Dusk while quickly gathering what her master asked.

A few seconds later, Dusk was back with the potions.

"Thanks."

Max then used the spray to heal the burnt mark on Bonny's body. When every mark began to heal by themselves, Max made Scarlet drink the rest to heal her mostly internal damages.

"Alright, that should do." He said while tossing the empty bottle aside.

{You alright master?} Asked May.

"Yeah, just need… a little rest." He said while lying on the ground close to Bonny and Scarlet, falling unconscious shortly after.

{… already told you Dusk, he's not gonna die alright.} Said a pokespeech, which Max recognized as Scarlet's voice when he slowly regained consciousness.

{But… what if he never wakes up without dying?} Said a worried braixen.

{Calm down, you told me that he only fell unconscious a few minutes ago.}

{Maybe it's not, I don't know anymore.} Said Dusk, sounding like she was panicking.

Max opened his eyes and saw Scarlet using Healing Pulse on him.

{Master!} Almost yelled Dusk.

"H-hi… how you doing girls?"

{Master! I'm so happy that you are still with us!} Said Dusk, going for a strong hug with watery eyes.

'Bweh! Happy to see you too Dusk." Said Max, being slightly choked by her hug.

{Okay, Dusk, now that you know that he's alive, give him some space will you?}

{Sorry. I'm just… so glad that he is.} She said wiping off a tear from one eye.

{Yeah, I'm also very happy that you are master.}

"And I'm glad to see that you're still nice to me." Joked Max.

{Eh, I would have missed your kindness so much.}

"Sure you would. What about Bonny?"

{… Still over there.} Pointed Scarlet on his other side.

Turning his head, he saw the lopunny he knew still unconscious.

{She didn't have awakened yet.}

"Is she…"

{She's still alive, don't worry.}

Max then laid his head on the ground with a heavy sigh.

"Damn that was brutal."

{Yeah, it was quite something there.} Said, Scarlet.

{… I could have helped but…} Started Dusk.

{But I decided that it was too dangerous for her and May and I forced them to stay here.} Finished Scarlet.

Max could see the frustration in Dusk's face.

"Scarlet was right to do that Dusk. It was dangerous back there. Me and even Scarlet almost got killed."

{I could have done something.} Protested Dusk.

{Besides risking being killed too, you could have done nothing.}

Max then saw the pain in Dusk's face now.

"Scarlet!"

{It's true master.} Retorted Scarlet.

"Not necessarily. But Scarlet is roughly right Dusk. Scarlet, which have battle experience and survival skills almost got killed."

{What chance did you have?} Said Scarlet coldly.

Max then glared at Scarlet.

{That's it? Even after I just evolved I'm just as worthless as before?} Said Dusk with eyes getting watery but in sadness this time.

"That's not what I meant and you know it Dusk."

{No but it looks like it. Sending the strong ones to protect you while the weak ones stay behind.}

"Not at all Dusk! I just don't want anything bad to happen to you because I love you, why can't you fucking understand that?" Said Max, almost yelling at her.

On the verge of crying, Dusk dashed outside the tent before bursting into tears in front of them.

"Dusk wait! I'm sorry I didn't mean to!"

[Let her go, Master. You were a bit harsh but you were right. She will get over it eventually. For now, just rest okay.]

"Fucking shit. First Bonny goes into bloodlust rage and then I yelled at Dusk. How bad of a trainer am I?"

[Now master, you either shut the hell up or I'll force you the hard way.]

Max looked at her only to see anger in her eyes, still using Healing Pulse on him.

[Now listen closely here. Don't ever again doubt yourself and say that you're a bad or worthless trainer. You're a wonderful trainer and you have done more things for us than any other human or pokemon would have ever done in two human lifespans. Don't ever let another say otherwise. You tell yourself that again and I'll punch you so hard that even your ancestors will feel it, understand?] Angrily said, Scarlet.

"… Hehe, I sure did a good job with you." Said Max, laughing a bit.

[With the others too.]

"But look at the mess."

[You're not responsible for it, you're only the one that will try to fix the mess of the others. Shit Max, use your dead brain for once.]

Max then sighed heavily and stared silently at the ceiling of the tent. He was also surprised to hear Scarlet saying Max instead of master, making him realize how angry she was.

[There, you should be in perfect health now.] Said Scarlet shortly after when she stopped healing him.

Max then sat up, feeling a bit sore but no more pain.

"…Thanks, Scarlet." He said while trying some of his articulations.

Max then looked at Bonny.

"Did you heal her as well?"

[I did before you.]

"…Why?" He asked, frowning.

[Because it's what you would have wanted. Since I knew that you're life wasn't in danger, I did what you would want me to do.]

Max then sighed angrily.

[What is it? Was I wrong?]

"No, you were right, you're always right. It pisses me off horribly to see what the world had done to the probably most perfect being on this planet. That's so freaking unfair."

[I'm the one that should be angry about it.]

"Yet you're not, while me that probably would be at your place."

[Don't take it for free sugar master. I indeed hate this world and what it did to me, but none of this matter anymore, since I have you.]

"… If you have tried to make me cry, you just almost succeeded."

[Don't worry master, I already have tons of ideas of how to make you cry.]

Max then laughed a bit with Scarlet when they saw Bonny moving.

{Ghn…} Growled Bonny while sitting up.

{Wa- where am I? What happened?} Asked Bonny, a bit confused.

{Well, you're in master's tent, and what happen is…}

Max then silenced Scarlet.

"I don't think it's a good idea to tell her," Lowly said, Max.

{Tell me what?} Asked Bonny.

Max thought that he spoke low enough so she couldn't hear but failed horribly and stared at her how she did it.

{Those big ears aren't there for decoration. Now tell me.}

Max then looked at Scarlet, motioning her no.

[She has to know the truth Master. I won't let her go around you unaware that she can enter in a bloodlust rage and kill you.]

(You do understand that it could crush her?)

[I don't care. Your safety first.]

"Wait!" Tried to stop Max.

{You can't stop me, master.} She said while restraining him with her powers.

{What is the last thing you remember Bonny.}

"No Scarlet…"

Max's mouth was forced to shut because of Scarlet psychic abilities.

{I… remember being with master for the mega evolution and… darkness.}

{That's it? Nothing else?}

{Well… besides some… weird memory fragments, nothing.}

{What are those fragments about?}

{Hard to say but… some are about… destruction… anger… and master being hurt. Really bad images.} She said while trying to not remember it.

{Probably just a bad dream.} She added.

{… No, it's not.}

(Please Scarlet, you still can stop now.) Thought Max.

{What… do you mean?} Said Bonny with a faint sight of fear.

{Destruction, injuries, master's injuries, were all caused… by you.}

Bonny then widened as she was utterly shocked.

{Wha… What joke is that Scarlet? I know you like to tease but this is too much. How dare you say that I will ever hurt master?}

{Because it's the truth.}

{What is wrong with you? Do you hate me that much?}

{I don't hate you Bonny, but master's safety is my priority.}

(Everything went alright Scarlet, no need to overdramatize it.) Thought Max.

{You know what? Fuck you, Scarlet! I won't let you say such things to me.} She said while getting up, almost ready for a fight.

{Denial huh? Fine, then I can show what master saw then.}

{Fine. That way, you'll leave me alone with those stupid jokes.}

Scarlet then approached her hands toward Bonny's head to transfer her master's memory she already had gathered directly into her head.

(Stop Scarlet! Don't do it!) Thought Max, trying to yell in his head.

Ignoring him, Scarlet pressed her hands on her head and transferred Max's memories into her brain. For a few seconds, Bonny was seeing what her master saw. Her destroying everything, losing control, attacking, and almost killing Scarlet... and... almost... killing... her... master. When Scarlet was done, she fell on her rear, shaking madly and staring blankly at nothing in particular.

{N-no… t-th-that's… I-Imp-p-p-possible.} Muttered Bonny, almost in a state of shock.

{Sadly it is.} Coldly said, Scarlet.

Bonny then looked at her master, only to see him starring at the ground in defeat, almost crushed.

{No…} Muttered Bonny.

{No no NO NO! NO!} Said Bonny before rushing outside and running toward the battlefield, not believing what she saw.

"… Nice job Scarlet." Said Max after Scarlet let go of him.

[You can hate me if you want. If it means you are safe, I can live with it.]

"We could just have worked it out, slowly telling her." He said while getting up and quickly goes toward the tent exit with Scarlet staying silent.

Before leaving, Max turned toward Scarlet one last time.

"I took back what I just said. You're not that perfect after all." He said before leaving and running toward Bonny.

For the first time in many years, Scarlet felt pain and sadness because of her master's words that pierced her.

As Max was running toward his companion, Bonny had arrived at the ruined battlefield. Getting in the middle, Bonny looked around in shock.

{This… can't be…} She muttered.

All around her was destruction and desolation.

{No NO!} She yelled while moving randomly everywhere in confusion.

{What have I done?!}

Her gaze then landed on a small bloodstain on the ground. Getting closer, she couldn't deny it anymore. Falling on her knees in front of it, she started to cry without any expression, broken.

{I almost… killed master.} She muttered.

{I almost… killed master.} She muttered again.

She repeated those words while staring at the sky until Max also arrived there.

"Bonny!" Said Max while getting closer to her.

{STAY AWAY FROM ME!} Yelled Bonny, getting back to her sense.

"Bonny calm down, we can talk this out okay." Said Max while still walking toward her.

{I SAID STAY AWAY!} She yelled while getting up, grabbing dirt, and throwing it at her master.

{STAY AWAY!} She yelled again, starting to cry at her last word.

"Okay. I'll stay away but I won't go away."

{WHY! I'M A DANGER TO YOU! I ALMOST FREAKING KILLED YOU!} She yelled while landing on her knees, tears overflowing from her face.

"Because I promised to always be with you no matter what."

Bonny continues to cry some more for a moment.

{That's just gonna get you killed.}

"I don't care." Said Max while getting closer to her again.

{No! I said stay away.} She said while standing up and wanting to run away.

Luckily for Max, he was close enough to tackle her down before she could escape, grasping her firmly so she can't escape.

{LEAVE ME ALONE!} She yelled while struggling to break free.

Normally, Bonny could probably have been able to escape, but her master was holding her with so much strength that she didn't know he had to prevent her from running away.

{GET OFF ME!}

"Not a chance!" Protested Max.

Bonny then struggled a bit more before stopping and bursting into tears again.

{Why Master?}

"Why what?"

{Why are you doing this? I almost killed you and you are still near me. Leave me alone, I prefer running away and never see you again than risking hurting you again.}

"And I prefer seeing you hurting me than seeing you run away and never see you again."

Bonny then crying a bit more before speaking again.

{Why master?} She muttered again, her face and cheeks all stain in tears.

"Because I love you, Bonny. I know that you do too."

{That's why I prefer…}

"Running away from your problems rather than facing it."

{Almost killing you, you called that a mere 'problem'?} She loudly said.

"… Yes."

{What is wrong with you? What is wrong with me? What is wrong with this world damnit?} She said almost angrily.

Bonny didn't know what she was saying anymore due to her pain, sadness, and confusion.

"Nothing is wrong with either me or you."

{Say that to your injuries I did to you.}

"Sorry to burst your balloon, but I don't have injuries anymore."

{Don't tell you have forgotten about them?}

"Probably. I don't even know what injuries you're talking about."

{Master… I can't believe it.} Lowly muttered Bonny.

When he felt that Bonny had calmed down a bit, he let loose his grip and placed his hand strategically beside her in case she would want to escape again.

"Now that you have calmed down, you're gonna listen to me. Now, I know that you're scared and maybe even mad at yourself, but now will be the time to stop acting like a spoiled princess."

{…}

Bonny was only staring at him with watery eyes.

"I don't care what happened, I don't care who have tried to kill me, either you or anyone else. Maybe you're not aware of that, but Scarlet also tried to kill me the first time we meet, so you're not the first one who tried it, so stop feeling so special about it and man up a bit. Matter of speaking, since you're a girl."

{She probably didn't try as hard as me.} She said while looking away.

"If she hadn't have been attacked and weakened by those beedrills, she probably wouldn't have too, since she could have killed me in a finger snap. Do you see her complaining?"

{She's different, she doesn't care about killing.}

"… So you know too."

Bonny then remembered her promise to not tell about the human girl she killed.

{… She told me what she was.} Half-lied Bonny.

"…Well, I guess it was a bad example. But she does regret it but goes forward by telling herself that it was a bliss that she didn't succeed."

{… But what If I try again?}

"Then we will face it again… all together."

Tears of joy started to mix with her sadness tears.

{How can you be so okay about us almost killing you?}

"Because I love all of you, Bonny. I'd rather prefer being killed by one of you than losing you."

{… Don't say such stupid things.} She said while looking away again.

Max then pushed her head toward him again.

"No there not, here's the proof."

Max then goes for the most passionate and loved-filled kiss he could ever do, making Bonny's widened in surprise. After a moment, Max broke the kiss.

"Was that stupid too?"

{I-I didn't mean about your love…} She said with a blush.

{I meant about you being killed by one of us.}

"No, that also wasn't stupid. I'll think like that until my last breath."

{Can we stop talking about death please?}

"Sure, but only if you promise to stay with us and stop worries about it."

{… You still think that I deserve a place with you and the others?}

"Of course, more than ever. Shit Bonny, you can mega evolve now."

Bonny looked at him with almost shocked eyes.

"Sorry. Too soon, I know."

{… It will be hard master.}

"What will be hard?"

{Me trying to get over what just happened.}

"Me and the other are here for you Bonny. You can get all the help you need from us."

{If they are not scared of me now.}

"I won't lie that it will probably be hard for them too, but that's what a team is for, don't you think?"

Bonny then wiped away the remaining tears in her eye before staying silent a moment.

{… I promise that I will try master.}

"… Close enough for me." Sad Max while getting up.

"Come on girl, the others are probably worried about you." He said handing her his hand so she stands up.

{… Probably more about you than me.} She said while taking it.

"You won't progress with that attitude. I'm sure they are also worried about you. We still love you because we all know that it wasn't the real Bonny that did this."

{… Master?}

"Yes?"

{I too do love you.}

"I know Bonny." He said while hugging her.

"I love you too my precious little lopunny." He said before giving a kiss.

She wasn't cheering up but she did smile a bit, which was a start.

"Let's join the others."

{… Okay, master.}

With that, both of them headed back toward the tent, with Bonny insisting on holding hands while getting back. Popping out of the woods, Scarlet saw them arrived, with May hiding behind her, scared.

{Told you, master. I think it's better for me to leave all of you alone.} She said while trying to let go of her master's hand, which he didn't let her do.

"Like hell, I'll let you do that. I won't restrain any of you but I know that deep inside you, you still want to stay."

{I… need to be alone a bit master.}

Max then looked at her suspiciously.

{Don't worry, I promise I won't leave you.}

"You really do?"

{Yes, master.}

"… Okay."

Bonny wanted to leave but Max stopped her and put his hand on her cheeks.

"But hey."

Bonny then looked at him with sad eyes.

"Don't forget that I love you and you're my precious lopunny. It would hurt me a lot if I were to lose you."

Max then gave her a quick kiss on her lips. After he released her face, Bonny slowly goes to a bit more isolated place while passing by Scarlet and a scared May. Scarlet's eyes weren't mean or against her, but not happy with her either, just, like keeping an eye on her.

[I see that you solved the problem, again. I knew you could do it.]

"I'm sure you did." Said Max while getting close to her.

"Scarlet, I wanted to…"

[No master, no need to…]

"Stop it now Scarlet. For once you're the one that gonna listen to me. I'm sorry for what I said okay. I know you will say that I was right to say that, but it's not. You're the best thing that has ever happened in my life and all I do is hurt you. I felt it when I left."

[Not all the time, it's just a one-time thing now.]

"One time too much. You're the best Scarlet and someone should be really blind or stupid not to see it. I'm sorry Scarlet." He said while grabbing her hips.

[Don't overdramatize master, it's not that big of a deal.]

"Scarlet, for once, can you drop the tough attitude and say that I was wrong and let me be sorry for being an ass with you? Can you just let me apologize and say that I really acted like one?"

Scarlet then sighed.

[Alright master. I forgive you for being a mean and hurtful trainer okay. Just don't it ever again.]

"That's my Scarlet. Don't worry, I'll never hurt you ever again." He said giving Scarlet a hug, which she happily returned.

[You should go see Dusk now. I convinced her to let you at least talk to her so you could sort things out.] Said Scarlet after a moment.

"Where is she?"

[A bit further in the woods that way.] Said Scarlet while pointing in a direction.

"Thanks, Scarlet. I'll say it again and this time I'll never say otherwise, but you're the most perfect being of this world."

[Sweet talker again hm? Get out of here you prick.] Said Scarlet while gently pushing him with a smile.

After chuckling, Max walked toward where Scarlet said where Dusk was. After a few minutes of walking, he found her sitting on a big dead tree trunk.

"Can I… sit with you?"

Dusk's only response was to look away.

"…Okay. I'll try to and if you really don't want to, just throw an ember attack on me."

Max then carefully sat next to her, hoping to not have his face burnt off by a fire attack. Luckily, when Max was on the trunk too close to her, he didn't receive any incoming attack.

"I guess it was an 'I don't care' response." Said Max, trying to kill the bad mood.

Still looking away while staying silent, Max noticed that he failed horribly.

"…Well, quite a day it was, don't you think?"

Dusk remained silent. Knowing that he was going nowhere, he decided to go for it.

"I'm sorry Dusk. I shouldn't have yelled at you."

No reaction from Dusk besides her playing with her hands and fingers.

"I'm really sorry. But, when you love someone…"

{I know how love works. I'm not that stupid.} Said Dusk, a bit angrily.

"… No, of course, you're not."

Max then remained silent for a moment.

"I… just don't know what to say Dusk. Like I said…"

{Maybe you should start by saying how useless you think I am.}

"… I could, but since it's not true…"

{Then why am I always left behind? When Bonny evolved, you immediately put her on the strong side. But when I evolved…}

"There no such thing as…"

{Let me finish. You put her on the strong side, but when I evolved, I was still not good enough for you. Geez, everything was still about Bonny when I evolved and you barely looked at me.}

"Well, circumstances were pretty… off limit. Everything happened at the same time and…"

{And you had to make choices? Between me and Bonny, the choice is quickly done.}

"… You're done now?"

{Done with what? With you and the others, maybe, if it happens to go that way.}

"No, done with your bullshit Dusk. Sorry for the language but you were wrong from the start until now. First, there is no such thing as a strong or weak side okay. And secondly, you're not worthless. How many times do I have to say it Dusk?"

{Why Am I left out then?}

"You're not left out Dusk, I just don't want anything to happen to you."

{Why?}

"Because I love you Dusk, how many times do I have to tell you that either? Damn Dusk, I'm quite shocked that you even asked something like that."

{Is it that bad that I want to protect my master?}

"Of course not Dusk. That's even very noble and nice of you. But if it implies getting you in danger too, then yes."

{I'm stronger than you think, even if I just evolved.}

"I don't even doubt it Dusk, and it's not about being evolved or not. You could be at your final evolution stage for years and I wouldn't have risked you getting hurt."

{I would be stronger than now.}

"Even that Dusk. See, Scarlet was badly injured, even if she was surviving on her own when I was still a baby."

Dusk then remained silent.

"Scarlet is very strong, I'll give you that, and I couldn't stop her from getting herself in danger, even if I want to."

{You couldn't stop me if I wanted to.}

"Then why did you stayed then?"

{… Scarlet forced me.}

"What? Did she threaten you or something?"

{No but…}

"But what?"

{She just told us to stay put so that we don't get injured. We protested, but then she said how much you will be in pain if something was to happen to us.}

"Why did you still listen?"

{I… I was scared that she was right.}

"… It will be harsh to hear Dusk, but sometimes, something is just out of our control. I'm sure Scarlet sensed that the treat was too big for you and May."

{But I…}

Dusk then went silent for a moment.

{I think that… deep inside me… I… knew that.}

"Knew what?"

{I knew that I wasn't strong enough. I didn't notice but, the one I was angry at… was myself, hating myself for my own weakness. Yet, I still threw my anger at you, accusing you for my own problems. I'm sorry master, I'm such a pathetic companion.} She sadly said.

Max then coiled an arm around her and got closer to her.

"Now now Dusk." Softly said, Max.

"You're not weak alright. It's true that sometimes we face obstacles that are a bit too much for us, by that's why we're a team. But a fallen team member is no good for it. We just need to know our limits and our capacities."

Max could see tears slowly fallen from Dusk's eyes.

"The best thing we can do is only get stronger so then we can be a better asset for the team. Scarlet didn't want you to come because she knew that you still have a lot to live for and a big potential to cultivate."

{So if I get stronger, I won't be left behind?}

"You're not left behind Dusk and never will, we just don't want to uselessly put you into danger. If it can help you, try to switch our position for a moment. If you were to happen to have a chance to get me out of danger, will you do it?"

{Of course!} Said Dusk without hesitation.

"Then now you understand our action."

A lightning bolt of realization then hit Dusk.

{I… guess you're right master. But… if we both want to keep the other out of danger, who is the priority?} Asked Dusk.

Max then sighed heavily with an interrogative expression.

"Wow Dusk, that's one hell of a question. Unfortunately, I can't answer you. I guess the answer resides at the moment when it happens.

Then, both of them went silent for a moment.

{I guess love is a very complicated thing.}

"And it will always be. So, does that mean that you forgive me?"

{Why should you be the one to be forgiven? I was the one in the wrong.}

"Everyone is in the wrong from time to time, it's part of the game Dusk. But I was the one that yelled at you when you were only worried about me, so yeah, I'm the meanie."

{No master, you're not.} Fervently Dusk.

{With what you have all done to us, I won't allow you to say such things.}

"What should I say then?"

{Something like 'I forgive you Dusk for being selfish'.}

"Or more like 'I forgive you Dusk for not forgiving me'."

{Master!} Playfully Said Dusk.

Both of them then giggled for a moment.

"Glad to see you're back Dusk."

{I never was gone, just, a bit off the path.}

"Eh, always fun to see pokemon getting more mature when they evolve."

{Part of the game I guess.} Said Dusk while giving her master a hug and a smile.

"Aha, you learn fast Dusk."

{I suppose now being psychic type is really handy.}

"Yeah, I read in the pokedex that psychic pokemon can learn and integrating knowledge and emotions faster than any other type."

{That's my master, always willing to know more about us.}

"Being a good trainer is not an easy task."

{Khihi.}

Max then petting her head.

"Alright Dusk, how about we join the others?"

{Yes master but…}

Dusk then sounded a bit hesitant.

"What is it Dusk?"

{I may be not ready for more but… I think I am for this. Can I… have a… kiss?} Shyly asked Dusk with a heavy blush.

"A kiss?" Asked Max, frowning.

{Well… if you don't want it's okay.}

"Never said it. It's just a bit surprising that my little Dusk, well not so little now, asked me such a thing."

{Well, like you said… psychics have a more efficient brain than the others.}

"True. But I didn't know you were feeling this toward me. I mean, you were looking a bit more 'friendly' than 'flirty'."

{If just friend is better, then I don't mind but…}

"Stop assuming Dusk, I never said that."

{I'm sorry, I just want to be sure that everything is okay with you and I also want to…}

Dusk's word was cut off by a surprise by her master. For a moment, Dusk's eyes widened a bit in surprise before shyly returning it. After a moment, Max broke it.

"Was it what you wanted?"

{…Yes. Thank you, master.} She said, blushing heavily.

"Anything to please my girls." Said Max while giving another hug.

They stayed like this a moment before Dusk spoked again.

{I think we can go back now.}

"Yeah, sure."

After both of them stood up, they got back to where the tent and the others were. When they were back, Max saw Scarlet and May eating together while Bonny was eating a bit further from them, isolated.

[Another success? Damn master! And you dare have ever doubt about yourself?] Said Scarlet while munching on her food.

"It was not easy, but yeah, I did it."

[Nothing is easy in this world.]

"Yea, I'm aware of that."

Max then goes to pick one of his rations before Dusk took a plate and her pokebites box and sat next to the others.

"Alright, I'm gonna go see if Bonny is alright."

[Okay.]

Leaving them together, Max headed toward Bonny and sat next to her.

"So? Feeling better?" Asked Max while opening his ration.

{Not really. I still hate myself for what happened.}

"Don't torture yourself too much about it. What is done is done and everyone is fine. I know it's hard but we must try to move forward."

{Easy for you to say, you didn't get close to killing your loved one.}

"… True."

Max then left his ration to move behind Bonny and hub her from behind.

"So that's why I'm trying to enjoy your presence and the moments I have with you as much as I can."

{Eh, you're so careless, master.}

"Why?" Asked Max with a frown.

{Being around a dangerous monster like me that lightly.}

"You're not a monster Bonny, and as far as I know, all of you have the power to kill me, even May."

{Doesn't mean we want to.}

"Exactly. And it's also the case of my Bonny, am I right?"

{… Yes.}

"See? Nothing to worry about."

Bonny then sighed.

{What would I have done if I were to lose a wonderful trainer as you master?}

Max then took a deep breath.

"Hard to say since it will never happen. You won't get rid of me that easily."

{Eh, like I would ever want that.} Said Bonny while chuckling a bit.

"That's my Bonny." Said Max while hugging her quite strongly.

{Master… stop it… I'm trying to eat my food.} Playfully said, Bonny.

"Alright." Said Max while loosening his hug.

Bonny then heavily sighed.

{When I think how much I wanted to mega evolve, but only for it to be a huge disaster.} Said Bonny, getting down again.

"Come on Bonny, there is always next time."

{Not sure I'm getting into that soon.}

"I understand Bonny. Take all the time you want. But remember that the more you wait, the more difficult it will be for you to get over your fear afterward."

{It even cost you quite a lot.} She said while looking at her mega stone on her red scarf.

"Money doesn't matter. I'll say it again, even if it's starting to hurt my tongue, anything for my girls."

{Will that be your catchphrase now?}

"I guess, since that how much you make me say it."

{And it's our fault now?} Playfully said, Bonny.

"Everything is the fault of my team." Joked Max.

{I think I now know why Scarlet needs to punish you sometimes.} Said Bonny with a faint smile.

"Don't tell me your get into that too?"

{Hmmm… who knows? It probably won't be like Scarlet since I don't have psychic powers, but I can think about something.}

"Really inspiring."

{You only have to blame yourself for that.}

"Scarlet really starting to stain you."

{She sure does have some good ideas sometimes.}

"Eh, glad to see you on track. Should we join the others?"

{… Maybe not tonight. You can go if you want.}

"I'll stay too then."

{You don't have to.}

"I know."

After sighing, Bonny went silent for a moment.

{But… I'm kind of glad you did.}

"Bonny getting more honest? That's good news."

{S-Shut up.} Said Bonny, a bit embarrassed.

{… But I have to say that I really needed it.}

"That's something I already knew."

{You do?}

"What kind of trainer would I be if I couldn't see what my cute and lovely team wants and needs?"

{'sigh' Yeah, what would I have done if I were to lose you.} Repeated Bonny.

Max and Bonny then stayed like this until they finished their meals. When they were, the sun was setting with the light of the sky slowly letting its place in the darkness.

"It will be time to sleep soon."

{… Yeah.}

After a little while, the sky was completely dark.

"Alright, let's go."

Bonny then stood up so that her master could to and headed toward the tent. Scarlet, Dusk, and May were in front of a fire camp made by Scarlet and Dusk.

"Alright girls, I'm off to sleep."

[Coming master.]

After extinguishing the fire, Scarlet and the others followed Max and Bonny in the tent.

[I'm gonna leave my place to Dusk tonight.]

"… Okay, if it doesn't bother you but, why?"

[She wants to be close to you tonight. Try to keep it down if you plan on doing dirty things.]

"Come on, she's not like that."

[I wasn't too before meeting you.] Said Scarlet, making Max rolled his eyes.

[Anyway, May feel a bit unsafe around Bonny, so she's gonna sleep with me.]

(Hope she will get over it.) Thought Max.

[Even though she's like a kid, but I'm sure she will. She just needs some time.]

(Okay.)

Max then goes to his inflatable bed, followed by Bonny and Dusk, both of them lying on the mattress on each side of him and hugging him. Scarlet then laid on one she made up next to Dusk with May in her arms. When they were all comfortable, they were all asleep after a couple of minutes. As the team was sleeping in the middle of the night, Bonny was moving and sweating on her bed next to her master.

{Hng… n-no… no master…} Muttered Bonny in her sleep.

{What… is happening… no… master no!} Loudly exclaimed Bonny while waking up and sitting up.

"B-Bonny?" Said Max turning his head around, waking up as well.

"You okay?"

Bonny then turned her head to stare at Max before going for a strong hug.

{Master! I'm so glad that you're still alive. I'm so sorry.} She said while crying and shaking a bit.

"It's okay Bonny. I'm with you now." He said while returning the hug.

"Nightmare?"

{I dreamed, about what I did… but this time… you…}

Unable to finish her sentence, she shoved her head on her master's chest, muffling her cries.

"Sshhh there there Bonny. It was just a bad nightmare. We are both still here and alive. That's what matters."

{I'm… so terrified master.} She said, sobbing.

"I bet you are. Just take deep breathes and try to relax." He said while rubbing her back.

Doing as told, Bonny tried to take deep breathes to calm herself down. Hardly doing it at first, she finally managed to calm a bit after a moment.

"… Feeling better?"

{… Slightly.}

"Okay, I'll stay with you until you're feeling better."

{Thanks… master…} She said while shoving, even more, her head inside Max's chest.

Then, both of them stayed until Bonny stopped shaking after a while. When Max hears faint snoring coming from her, he knew that she was now okay and he could also go back to sleep. The rest of the night was peaceful until Max awakened by himself. Looking around, he saw the sun was already up and the others still sleeping. He then checked his watch to see the time.

"7:12? I can still sleep a bit."

After closing his eyes, Max was awakened by Scarlet.

[Wake up lazy bone.]

"Hnn huh? But it's only maybe 7:15."

[Not really.]

Max then checked his watch again.

"8:27 already? Gha. Alright."

Being too asleep to noticed, Max didn't notice that Dusk and Bonny were not there anymore, leaving Max, Scarlet, and May alone in the tent with him.

"Where are the others?"

[Out, eating.]

"Okay."

[Which reminds me that our boxes are already half empty.]

"Shit. I forgot to buy you new ones. How can I be so…"

Scarlet then hushed him with one finger.

[Don't say it, master. Shit happens and no one thought about it either.]

"If it wasn't from that mall protection, maybe you could have told me."

[Don't know. It would have been possible that I wouldn't have thought about it either.]

"Miss perfect can also forget things?"

[Looks like it. Guess I'm not that perfect.] Mocking him for when he said it.

"Don't say that." Sadly said Max, remembering his means words.

[Come on master.] She said while booping his nose.

[It better that we laugh about it than crying over it.]

"Can't tell if you're the optimistic one or the pessimistic one."

[How about the realistic one?]

"Alright, works for me."

{Master?} Asked May, next to Scarlet.

"Yes, my cute May?"

{Is… Bonny a bad person?}

Max and Scarlet looked at each other.

"Of course not May."

{Why did she try to hurt you then?}

"It wasn't her fault May. She just got overwhelmed by her power and lost control of it because of her mega evolution."

{Is she… alright now?}

"Yes, May. You have nothing to fear from her now. It won't ever happen again."

{You sure?} Said May, still a bit unsure.

"Definitively."

{What if… it does happen again?}

"As long as she doesn't mega evolve without any control, it won't."

May then was thoughtful for a bit.

"She still is the same Bonny we all love May. She is also very affected by what she did and feels very guilty about it. It will help her if we act normally with her and support her through that. I promise you that Bonny and the creature that attacked us wasn't the same person."

{… Okay, master.} Said May, feeling a bit reassured.

"Good girl. Like always, you can trust me." While petting her head.

{I do master.}

"Good. Now we all should be nice to her and everything will get back to normal."

{… Master?} Asked May, a bit sad.

"Yes?"

{Will that… also happen to me if I ever mega evolve?}

Max then looked at Scarlet once again with concerned eyes.

"Well… hem…"

{Tell me the truth master?}

Max then heavily sighed.

"Alright, I'll do. I don't know a lot about mega evolution yet, but since it happened with one, it could be possible that yes, there is a possibility."

{I'm not sure I want to mega evolve anymore.}

"Come on May, don't let that little incident get you down. I'm sure it won't happen to you."

{You just said that it could.}

"Y-yeah but… you shouldn't let that get in your head and prevent yourself of doing something you would what."

{But what if it happens to me and I try to hurt you too?}

"Well… there is a risk of course but…"

{I prefer never mega evolve than risking hurting you, master.}

[Hm, she reminds me of someone.] Commented Scarlet.

"Well, me and Scarlet will think about a way to reduce the risk to a minimum. Will that be okay with you?"

{Only if there is no risk at all.} Fervently said May.

"… Okay. We'll think about something and we will keep you in touch. Anyway, we need to get our hands on a mawilite first, then after that, we can think about what to do."

{I guess.}

"Good. Now will be the time to eat and get on the road."

[Yeah, I think we have passed enough time here.]

"Agree."

After they left the tent, Max and the rest joined to other to eat their breakfast. To Max's surprise, May seemed a bit more comfortable around Bonny, which made the lopunny quite happy. After taking himself a traveling meal, Max goes toward Dusk.

"How is it going Dusk? Have you forgiven me?" He asked when next to her.

{There was nothing to forgive master since you did nothing wrong. But I do feel a bit better.}

"That's what matters to me the most." He said while kissing her forehead.

[Well master, did something 'juicy' happen between you too?] Asked Scarlet with a curious look.

"N-not really…" He responded with a blush.

[You know that I can peek into your mind for the truth, but that won't be necessary since I already have my answer.] She said with a grin.

"W-whatever." He said while looking away.

[And before you asked, yes, I also feel alright.]

"Wasn't planning on." Said Max, teasing her.

[You don't care about me? That hurts.] She playfully said.

"Of course I do." He said while getting next to her.

Max wanted to also kiss her forehead but Scarlet decided otherwise and raised her head just before he kissed her, forcing him to go for her lips.

[You thought you could get away with that?]

"Yes."

[Too bad you failed then.]

"Better be faster next time then."

After they chuckle a bit, Max kissed her one last time before sitting next to Bonny.

"How's my favorite lopunny going?"

{You mean your only one?}

"… Yeah."

{… Sorry master. I still feel scared, but a bit better, thanks to you.}

"That's what friends are for."

{Friends?} Said Bonny while frowning.

"Friends, lover, family, you're all of that."

{Ah, that's true.}

Then, Max goes behind her for a hug like yesterday while they were eating together. Even if she wasn't feeling a lot affectionate, she let him do. After all, being this close to her caring and kind master was making her feel a bit better, even if she wouldn't have wanted to. After a moment, Max was done with his meal while Bonny was still eating slowly. He then waited a bit while petting May on her favorite spot.

"Not feeling hungry?" He said after a moment.

{Not a lot.} Said Bonny.

"… Will it be better if I help you?"

{Help me? How?} She asked, curious.

"I'll show you." He said while motioning her to pass him her box.

After giving him it, Max took one pokebite and presented it to her mouth.

"Say 'Ahhhhh'."

{… That's a bit embarrassing but… okay. Ahhhh.} She said before opening her mouth.

When wide open, Max put the pokebite on her mouth. When closing it to eat the food, her lips slightly kissed her master's fingers along the way.

"Is it easier that way?"

{… A little.} She said while slightly blushing.

"Good. Here's another one." He said before putting another one in her mouth the same way.

After a couple of bites, Max then wanted to tease her a bit. When opened her mouth, Max withdrew the pokebite away from her mouth.

{Master!} Complained Bonny.

"Sorry."

Approaching the bites close to her mouth, Max did it again when she opened her mouth again.

{Why are doing this?}

"Hehe." Chuckled Max.

"Sorry Bonny, but I just love seeing your mouth open." Said Max with a perverted tone, making Bonny frustrated and blushing at the same time.

{Really smooth master.} Commented Scarlet, which made the others giggle a bit except Bonny, which was looking away in embarrassment.

"Sorry, my cute Bonny." Apologized Max.

"Here, I won't do it again." He continued while giving her the pokebites again.

After a moment of hesitation, Bonny opened her mouth a bit more discretely and finally got the food. With her chewing on her bites, Max then petting her head affectionately, loving her soft fur as always. Every little action from her master was contributing to making her feeling better. If he was to continue like that, maybe she will be able to get over the incident.

{That will be okay for me master.}

"Alright." He said closing the box.

"Well, I think it's time to finally leave." He said when he saw that everyone was done.

After his team nodded, Max then goes to put everything back in his packsack while Scarlet goes to the tent and folded it on his sack.

"Okay girls, time to get back on the road. Does anyone want to walk?"

After everyone motioned no, Max put all of them back in their pokeball except for Dusk.

{Something wrong master?} Said Dusk when she noticed that she was the only one that was still outside.

"Not at all sweety, but I think we have magical stick to found don't we?"

{… O-of course master.} She happily and shyly said.

"I'm guessing our chance will be better in the woods."

[Wow master, did your food give you intelligence?] Sarcastically said, Scarlet.

"Maybe. If I were to eat a lot of it, maybe I'll be smarter than you."

[Yeah, keep dreaming inferior being.] Playfully said, Scarlet.

After chuckling a bit, all three of them headed toward the deeps of the woods to search for a wand for Dusk. After a moment of walking, none of them came across anything potable until Max saw a tree with the end of a branch looking pretty good.

"Scarlet, can get me the end of that branch for me please?" Asked Max because the branch was too high for him.

[Sure.]

After breaking it to an acceptable length, Scarlet gives it to Max.

"Hmmm… it has a grotesque shape, but has a good look don't you think Dusk?"

{Yes.} She happily said, already loving the wand her master chose for her.

"Let me just make some adjustment on it."

Max then put his packsack on the ground and began to search in it. After a moment, he withdrew a pocket knife he bought at the mall. Turning around so that Dusk wasn't seeing it, Max began to carve it. With both Scarlet and Dusk looking at him curiously for a moment, Max turned around again and presented the brand new wand for Dusk. The wand was a bit shorter for the braixen to easily handle it and cut an extremity to form a two teeth fork-like shape.

"How is this?" Asked Max.

{It's… perfect. Thank you, master, I love it.} She said while taking it.

Oddly for Max though, as soon as Dusk grabbed it, the wand texture had changed a bit alongside the color.

[Dusk's power just infused the branch so she can canalize them through it.] Explained Scarlet when she saw the dumbfounded face of her master.

"Oh, make sense… I guess. Wait, I thought you didn't know a lot about braixen."

[I don't, it's just a logical deduction.] She said with a fake arrogant tone.

While Max rolled his eyes, Dusk was moving her wand side to side to test it. A little flame even appeared at the end of it after a moment.

"I see it fits you well."

{Yes… thanks again, master.} She said after making the flame disappearing.

"No problem. You're ready to kick some rears now." Said Max while petting her head, making her glee in happiness.

"Ready to leave?"

{Sure master.}

After nodding, Max the put Dusk back in her pokeball.

"Men… what a day that was." He said while putting the pokeball on his belt.

[Indeed.]

"Well, let's get the hell out of here then."

After a step, Scarlet grabbed him by his shoulder to stop him.

[That can wait a little bit.]

"Why?"

[I'm sensing that you're feeling quite stressed out at the moment. I think a little relief and relaxing exercise could do you good.]

"I'm feeling fine Scarlet, you don't have to…"

Not letting him finish his sentence, Scarlet had used her power to make him float and dropped him gently at the base of a tree. She then also gently dropped herself on his laps, making them the reverse ridding position.

"Scarlet I…"

[Shhhh.] Hushed Scarlet with one finger on his lips.

[Just relax okay. Relax and enjoy the moment, I'll do the work.]

Using her psychic abilities, Scarlet teleported his pants and underwear next to them. Now free, Scarlet then gently started to rub her small womanhood against his flaccid member. Despite not feeling perverted very much, it changed quite a bit when his gardevoir managed to make him hard pretty quickly. Scarlet then goes for soft and gentle kisses on her master's lips while still rubbing her entrance against him. It was a bit odd to Max that she was that tender because she's normally more aggressive or wild. After a few minutes of making out, Scarlet used her power to aligned Max's shaft to the right place and slowly lowered herself on it, making his tip touch her bottom after a few seconds.

[Try to enjoy me as much as possible master.]

She then began to slowly and gently go up and down on him, making him able to feel even more how tight she was.

"What… is happening Scarlet? You're usually… not that docile when we do this." Said Max, moaning a bit.

[Like I said master, you need to relax a bit. Soft and tender mating should help you quite a bit.]

"… Scarlet…"

Just with that, Max wanted to take her by the hips ram her until her hips hurt, but decided to go with what she wants. While gently pounding on him, Scarlet goes for more tender and warm kisses than usual, making him a bit light-headed while his pleasure was slowly growing. Being used to more aggressive intercourse, Max could enjoy a bit more the intense pleasure with his climax coming a bit slower than usual. Still going slowly but not happy at not making him feel as good as usual, Scarlet contracted her internal muscles quite a bit to get tighter.

"Hmffp, Scarlet." Moaned Max.

"That's… I don't have a lot of space now."

{That's… the goal master. Going smoother… shouldn't mean less pleasure.} Said Scarlet, moaning.

"What about your power… that increases my pleasure."

{If I remember correctly… it's not… a very relaxing thing.}

"True."

Trying to get as much narrow as possible, Scarlet goes for more kisses while hugging him. Not very long after, Scarlet then felt Max's orgasm coming near, to both pleasures. Slightly accelerating, Scarlet also started to rub her master's chest under his shirt with her three-fingered red hands. It was still a slightly odd sensation for Max, but she was now getting really good at it. Then, after a couple more minutes of sweet and soft lovemaking, Max exploded inside her, burning her with his hot seeds, triggering her own orgasm with a low blissful scream while increasing the grip of her hug. After both of them were done, Scarlet relaxed on him, slightly panting.

[So master? Feeling a bit more relaxed?] She asked after recovering.

"I sure am. My sweet Scarlet going soft on me, what could be more soothing than that?"

[For now, I don't have any practical and ethical ideas. Mating is the solution to many problems.]

"Hehe, that's my perverted gardevoir." He while kissing her.

[Feeling ready to continue?]

"Yeah, and you with renewed vigor, thanks to you."

[Your happiness is my happiness.]

"Devoted as always I see."

[Yup.]

Scarlet then moved away from Max so he could stand up and dress again. Strapping his packsack on him again, Max and Scarlet headed toward the road where they resumed their travel once more.