Beach Time

"… Hmmn… Nnh."

Slowly gaining consciousness, Max was slowly being awakened by something poking his face. Opening his eyes lazily, he saw Scarlet's face very close to his and sitting on the ground next to the couch.

{Good morning, master.} The red gardevoir sang with a very warm smile. {Sleep well?}

"Hem… Yeah, I guess." He answered with a slight sleepy voice.

{Looks like it.} Scarlet conceded while looking down.

Following her eyes, Max saw that she was talking about him and Aurora cuddled together on the couch, with her still asleep and lying on him.

"Oh… I guess everyone knows now."

{We all pretty much had a good idea about the outcome from the very start.}

"… Let me guess, you guys planned to leave us alone?"

{I don't know what you're talking about, we just wanted to have fun at the pool.}

"You? Having fun in the water?"

{Aha, you got me. It's nice seeing you getting smarter.} Scarlet jested while briefly rubbing his hair.

"Just keep giving me your intelligence then."

{Hmm, I'd rather not. But… you could always try to 'persuade me'.} She told with a perverted tone. {So, what's the plan for today?}

"Hmm… I thought about going to the beach and relax. We deserve some fun."

{Good idea.} Scarlet praised, but with a lack of enthusiasm that even she couldn't fake.

"What's wrong? You don't have to go in the water at the beach, you know."

{Besides the tons of humans that will probably be there, getting wet sure isn't my main concern.} She retorted sarcastically.

"Come on, I'm sure we'll be able to find a spot where we can be pretty much alone."

{Pretty much alone isn't enough.} She said before resting her back against the couch.

"We'll manage, love," Max reassured, brushing her hair with his fingers. "It's out of the question to have fun without you, and I'm sure the rest of the team will agree."

{… Thanks.} She said, turning her head to show him her warm smile.

Inevitably, the urge to kiss him took over her and neared her head. Their lips danced together for a moment until Aurora moved in her sleep.

{I'll go get us something to eat.} Scarlet announced before standing up.

"Before you go, I have a favor to ask."

{Hmm?}

"Jade didn't want to eat anything yesterday. She must be starving right now. Can you bring her something, please?"

Quickly, Scarlet's expression went dark.

{I'll think about it if I find some garbage around.}

"Scarlet." Max scolded, at which Scarlet let out a heavy sigh.

{If seeing her alive is that important to you, I'll try.} Scarlet agreed despite herself.

"Thanks a lot."

{Someday, you'll have to repay me for what you owe me.} She said before disappearing.

"Such a knightly soul," Max mumbled semi sarcastically before starting to gently pet Aurora.

{Is it morning… already?} The blue pokemon questioned.

"I'm afraid so," Max confirmed.

{No, I don't want it to be morning yet.} She complained while burying her face in Max's chest.

"Eh, we don't really have a choice."

{Yes we do. I can decide that it's not morning yet.} She growled like a kid.

"Come on, don't be like that."

{It's your fault.}

"How so?"

{It's because of you that I'm too tired this morning.}

"My fault?"

{… You made me move too much and made me stay up late at night.}

"And it's my fault? You're the one that was asking for more."

{Liar! You're the one that insisted to do more.}

"Yeah, the first two times, that's it."

{What else should I have done? you're bad at it.}

"Well excuse me if only a couple of orgasms weren't enough for you. If you really wanted more, maybe you shouldn't have fallen asleep after the fifth one."

{Hmpf, excuses.}

"Drop the attitude will you?" Max commanded before starting to tickle her.

{Haha hahaha, s-stop it.} She ordered, laughing a little.

"Hehe. Anyway, in all seriousness, I really enjoyed our special bonding last night."

{Good for you. And I'll let you know that I never said I didn't like it.}

"Really?" Max replied with a slightly skeptical face.

{It was… pleasant. For a human, you stand your ground a little.}

"Coming from you, I'll take it as a huge compliment."

{Enjoy it while it lasts.}

"I will." He confirmed, rubbing the side of her face, at which she pushed into it.

{Maybe I should get up before the others so they don't get the wrong idea.}

"Hemm… I think it's too late for that since you fell asleep on me."

{… Damnit.} Aurora cursed, taking a few seconds to realize it.

"What's so bad about them knowing that you mated with me?"

{Basically, everything.} She retorted, rolling her eyes mockingly. {I just don't want them to think that I'm a pervert like them.}

"Well, you kind of are."

{What? How dare you?} She protested aggressively.

"You're a pokemon that had sex with a human, so it kind of makes you a pervert."

{You take that back.} The pokemon ordered.

"What? It's true. We're both perverts now."

{You take that back or else.}

"Or else what?" Max challenged playfully.

{Or else next time I'm gonna be in charge and rape you.} She threatened with her face only a couple of inches away from his.

{Oohhh! This is getting quite exciting.} Said a familiar voice.

Turning their head, both Max and Aurora saw Bonny and May sitting at the edge of the bed, staring at them.

{W-wha… H-how long have you two been up?!} Aurora inquired with a red and embarrassed expression while sitting up straight.

{About a minute or two I think.} Bonny answered.

{Why you-}

{Please, go on. Don't mind us.} She said with an eager face.

{I'm curious too.} May commented.

{Fuck you all. You won't see shit.} Aurora growled before leaving Max and sitting at the far end of the couch, making Bonny giggle.

"Dusk is not awake?"

{Yes, but obscene scenes still make her a bit uncomfortable.} She informed, rolling her eyes while pointing at the braixen with her thumb behind her.

"Ah." Max simply said before dropping his head down.

{When will we go to the beach?} May asked, already growing quite impatient after being awake.

"As soon as everybody is up."

{Besides you, everyone is up and ready.} Bonny pointed out with crossed arms.

"That's why I said that."

Upon not hearing anything back, Max turned his head to see both Bonny and May glaring at him.

"Relax, I was just messing with you. Scarlet went to grab us breakfast. After that, we'll head outside."

{Yay!} May cheered.

"Let me just get her out too so she can eat," Max mumbled while stretching one arm to reach Jade's pokeball nearby.

When in hand, Max released his other gardevoir from it. Now out, she didn't say anything and only looked away shyly with her hands behind her back.

"Good morning, Jade."

{… H-hi.} She replied, slightly timid.

"Eh, when someone greets you good morning, you mostly wish the same," Max informed with a smile. "But you're free to say whatever you want."

{… Good morning… then.} Jade wished sheepishly.

"Thanks."

{What's taking her so long?} Aurora complained impatiently. {I'm starving here.}

{Mating sure does make you hungry.} Bonny mumbled.

{What?} Aurora demanded, looking at the lopunny.

{Nothing.} Bonny replied quickly, looking away.

As Aurora was about to reply, Scarlet appeared in the center of the room, foods floating around her.

"Welcome back." Max greeted, sitting up.

{I don't know if the animals are starting to get scared of me, but it was slightly harder than usual to find them.} She informed while giving food to everyone.

"Well, you are a scary pokemon after all."

{Hmpf, and I'm not even trying.} Scarlet said with a slight proud tone.

Having backed up, Jade was looking at all the food being distributed to everyone, which made Dusk join the group and sit next to May. When everyone had their meal, except her, she couldn't help but to feel a little sad and left out. Even though she was used to that kind of behavior, it was making her heart bleed a little every time. Then, after she dropped her head in submission and sadness, she noticed something in front of her. Looking up, she saw Scarlet handing her a fruit particularly appreciated by psychic types. However, she noticed that she's not even looking at her.

{…}

{I already ate most of them, but master told me that you might want some, so be thankful to him that I got one for you.} Scarlet said coldly.

{… I am… d-don't worry.} Jade replied, taking the fruit with slightly shaky hands.

[But that doesn't mean you're welcome here.] Scarlet said in her mind with a tone of rudeness before going to sit next to Max.

Again, treatments like this were common in her previous group. However, whether if it was faked or not, coming from someone that has just been nice to her was a bit less painful to hear. Slowly and shyly, she began to chew on the fruit. At least she could eat this time.

"You can sit you know," Max told to the pale green gardevoir.

{I'm… fine here.}

{Don't be shy, there's plenty of room here.} Bonny said, moving on the bed to make space for her.

Not having the courage to deny their request, she stayed quiet and sat where Bonny was a second ago.

{T-thanks.} She said, feeling a bit uncomfortable.

While eating, she was feeling that Scarlet was discreetly glaring at her. She was also sensing the feelings she had towards her. The emotions emanating from Scarlet were ones of anger and hate, but it wasn't pure hate. It was more the kind of hate that doesn't have a grudge or something personal against her, but just not wanting her close to her or the human. It's obvious to her that Scarlet isn't really happy about her inclusion in the team.

{I can't wait to get to the beach.} May shared, munching on her food.

{Me too. I don't know much about what we do at a place like that, but it sounds really fun.} Bonny agreed.

{There are lots to do; swimming, playing, making sandcastles…} May started listing off the activities.

{Sand castles?} Aurora wondered.

{You'll see, it's very fun.}

"It is fun. We can try to see who can build the most awesome one."

{That of course will be mine.} May replied confidently.

{Not wanting to burst your bubble, but I think I can do the best one.} Scarlet said arrogantly.

"Well Scarlet, I'm eager to see what you will do without your powers to help you."

{Yeah, I can't wait t-… Wait, what?}

"Why yes. Using your powers would count as cheating, so you'll have to build the castle with just your bare hands." Max said with a mischievous grin.

{… I…}

{That shouldn't be too hard for you, Scarlet. After all, you 'practiced' your hands quite a lot with him.} Bonny commented with a grin.

{… Hmpf, whatever. I can beat all of you without my powers.} Scarlet replied with crossed arms.

"Aurora, stop influencing Scarlet." Max jested.

{How about I stick that 'influence' up your ass?} Aurora retorted with a fake aggressive tone.

{I think she lacks 'something' to do that.} Bonny mumbled to May and Dusk, making them laugh a little.

"Keep your 'me getting pounded' fantasies to yourself." Max retorted with a smile, making Scarlet join the other girls with her own giggles.

Every time that Max saw Dusk progress in coming out of her shell, it warmed his heart. Seeing dirty scenes in front of her still made her uncomfortable, and probably always will, but she's a little more confident in sharing more and more of her desires when both of them were alone. And now, she was even laughing at sex jokes. At that, he couldn't help but to quickly glance at his team, being proud at how much they all have evolved since he met them. Even though it was minimal, he noticed that Jade has also changed in her own way.

[What are you thinking, master?] Scarlet asked in his mind, noticing his thoughtful expression.

[Nothing in particular. Just reminiscing how long it has been since we all started to travel together and all of the things that have changed for the best since my first encounter with you Scarlet. When I compare the moment that I was thrown out of my house to where I am now today I'm like, damn, time sure does fly.]

[And we're still far from being done. We've much more to do and see.] Scarlet assured.

[Indeed. In a sense, I'm both scared and excited by the unknown that awaits us.]

[It is a rare sight to see a human not feeling fear when in front of the unknown.]

[I guess.]

[Just don't forget that I'll always be there to make sure that you get the best experience.] Scarlet assured with a hand on his thigh.

[I wouldn't expect any less from you, my beautiful Scarlet.] Max replied, doing the same and putting a hand on her thigh while both stare at each other in the eyes for a moment.

{If you guys are about to do it, make it quick. We're already waiting for you.} Bonny announced.

When he looked at her, Max saw that she and all the girls were done with their food, and only he wasn't done yet with his breakfast.

"Damn it." Max cursed before eating his meal at a faster pace with the girls giggling at him.

Five minutes later, he was done with his food. He then put on his clothes for the day and they were about to leave the room.

"Alright girls, let's not forget to put on sunscreen on our bodies. Getting sunburns is not fun." Max reminded while he covers himself with the sunscreen on his exposed body parts.

{I don't really need that.} May said.

{Me neither.} Aurora followed.

"How so?"

{Well, even though steel types like May and I are weak to fire attacks, the sun rays barely affects us.} Aurora informed.

"Ah."

{Since I'm a fire type, neither do I.} Dusk said.

"Okay. What about you Bonny?"

{Just a dip on my nose is all I need.}

"You get a sunburn only on your nose?"

{It's the only place on me that isn't covered in fur, so yeah. It may not look like a big deal, but getting a sunburn on my nose is extremely annoying.}

"Alright then. Scarlet and Jade? Same thing like the others?"

{Actually, no. I'm rather sensitive to sunburn, but I mostly protect myself with my powers. Kind of like an anti-sunray force field.} Scarlet explained.

"Wow," Max exclaimed, now turning his gaze towards Jade.

{S-same thing t-that she said.}

"So, no one needs it then?"

{... Actually, on second thought, I'll use it since the protection eats away my energy over time pretty quickly.}

"Cool. I was kind of feeling left out for being the only one to put some on." Max commented before handing the sunscreen to Scarlet.

{You… don't want to put it on me yourself?} The red gardevoir asked with a fake innocent tone.

"Hem… yes, I suppose, if you really want to."

{Thanks.} She replied with a small triumphant smile.

After putting some lotion in his hands, he began to rub Scarlet's exposed skin. Loving every second of it, Scarlet kept staring at him with almost lustful eyes.

{Don't forget the lower part.} She informed him after he was done with her belly.

Going slightly red, Max refilled his hands and got on his knees. Half a second after he was reaching for the first leg, Scarlet lifts her leg and dropped it on his shoulder, making him have a plain view of her womanhood. To tease him a little more, she even lifts her dress a little.

{What are you waiting for, master?} Scarlet asked with a pleading and lustful face.

Clearing his throat, he resumed his work and began to rub her leg. He started at her footless ankle and slowly went upwards. When at her thigh, Scarlet uncontrollably let out very low moans. When Max was done with one leg, Scarlet repeated the same action with the other one. Again, when at her inner thigh, almost near her entrance, Scarlet moaned again but slightly louder. Despite himself, Max couldn't help but to get a bit excited by the view and the smell of her private part. When done, Max was about to move back but Scarlet interrupted him.

{You forgot the outer lips. Those are also vulnerable to the sun.}

Going even redder, Max quickly looked at the others with the corner of his eye, seeing them staring at him intently, except for Jade who was looking the other way around. Using the rest of the cream on his hand, he used his thumbs to rub the outer lips of her womanhood, forcing her to bite her lips to not moan too loudly. A few rubs later, Max was finally done and stood up after she dropped her leg, but not without noticing a small drop of juice leaking out of her.

{Can you do me too?} Bonny demanded.

"I thought it was just your nose?"

{It is, but I want you to do it too.}

"Fine." Max conceded with a smile and rolling his eyes.

Putting a drop on his finger, Max then rubbed the lopunny's nose.

{Aah!} She moaned slightly.

"Seriously, Bonny?" Max exclaimed with a raised eyebrow.

{What? I have a very sensitive nose, you know.} Bonny lied playfully.

"Haah… You." Max sighed heavily with a smile. "Alright. Let's go."

{Call me if you ever find a quiet place.} Scarlet said.

"Sure."

After she teleported away and with the girls cheering, the group left the room and eventually, the building. After some minutes of walking, they arrived at the entrance of the beach. At first glance, it was quite crowded, but not as much as Max expected.

{Not very popular if you ask me.} Aurora commented.

"Maybe it will be more crowded in the afternoon."

At that, they proceed to the sand of the beach. The sand in question was very thin and slightly cool due to the morning freshness, making it very pleasant to walk on.

"Okay girls, I want you all to have fun but do-"

Not getting the chance to finish his sentence, Bonny, Dusk, and May dashed away from Max in different directions.

"… Not go too far from here." Max finished, already discouraged.

{What were you expecting from kids?} Aurora asked.

"More than that I guess."

{Well, why don't we spend time between us adults then?} Aurora said suggestively before moving closer to Max.

"I-"

{Don't forget about me.} Max heard behind him and got a little surprised when he saw human arms coiling around his neck and over his shoulders.

{Damnit Luna! Why did you have the bright idea to appear just now? I wanted to be alone with him.} Aurora complained.

{I always go wherever my prey goes.} Luna retorted, glancing at Max. {But anyway, I thought you didn't like to be near the little pup.}

{... I-I don't. It just so happens that we have a common interest in this place, that's all.} Aurora said as an excuse to convince the older pokemon.

{Oh. Well, if you say so.} Luna replied, feigning to believe her.

{Hmpf.} Aurora retorted like her usual self.

"Let's just pretend it's not just an excuse to follow me around, Luna." Max jested before freeing himself from her grasp.

Then, as soon as he turned, his eyes went all wide like saucers.

"Luna? What is this attire?"

In her human appearance, the zoroark was only wearing a rather small two-piece black and red bikini, showing every bit of muscle she had; thighs, arms, shoulders, abs, everything was out with very little space for the imagination. Even her pelvic muscles were quite apparent, enhancing the sexiness of her human form.

{You like it?} She asked while posing for him.

"Hemm…" Max hesitated, hypnotized by her beauty, and was almost drooling. He quickly realized how much he was staring at every part of her and briefly shook his head to wake himself up. *Ahem* "A-are you sure you need to show that much? I mean, we can almost see your nipples with how little your top is covering." He pointed out, trying his best to not look like a complete idiot.

{How can you tell since you keep staring at my lower parts?} She questioned with hands on her hips.

"W-what?" He replied, raising his eyes to her eye level.

{Hehehe.} Luna laughed. {Relax, it's only an illusion, remember? Only what I decide will be displayed to the eyes of the public. But, I can always make an exception just for you if you really want to.} She said with a seductive voice and smile.

"W-what? You would r-really do th-" He started before being interrupted by her giggling.

{Hihihi, it's so easy and fun to tease you little pup. You are such a naughty human.} She said while pinching his cheek.

"I'm not. You're the one that..."

{Caught your eyes?} She teased some more.

"Stop it."

{Haha, alright. I don't want my little pup to be scared of females because of my excessive teasing.} Luna conceded, making Max growl lowly in frustration. {But it's quite curious though.} She commented with a thoughtful pose. {Why are you so worried about a body that isn't mine? This one I mean.}

"Hemm, well…"

{Perhaps you dislike the idea that another human finds me attractive?}

"N-no, of course not. You're free to do whatever you want." Max assured with crossed arms, looking away.

{How cute.} She expressed with a grin. {You know that I won't fall for weak humans. Anyway, it's the equivalent of my normal form, so it can't be helped.}

"If you say so. Let's just hope we won't be harassed by some douchebags."

{Weren't we supposed to go to an isolated place anyway?} Aurora reminded.

"Indeed. Let's get started then."

Despite being just the three of them, Max, Luna, and Aurora went on a journey to find a good spot. They managed to find a few, but both Max's pokemon pointed out that they will eventually be less quiet over time and suggested going as far away as possible. Max shared his worries about losing the others, so Luna proposed to go tell them when they find a good spot to settle. After a little while, they finally found the perfect spot for them close to a rocky formation. They had a good view of the ocean and they even had a volleyball net nearby which they could use. Putting down a beach towel, Max sat on it before removing his top.

{Maybe this was a better idea than I thought.} Luna commented, eyeing Max's upper body.

Not responding, Max only looked away, slightly embarrassed.

{It's the last time, I promise. For now.} Luna reassured.

*Hmpf* "Anyway, I'm still far from being the sexiest one here. We passed in front of way hotter guys on the way here."

{Really? I actually didn't notice.} Luna replied with a fake unaware expression.

{Me neither. None of them would survive against a pokemon like you do.} Aurora added.

*Ahem* "I do believe it's time to go tell the others where we are." Max said quickly, changing the subject.

{I suppose.} Luna conceded before turning around. {Ah, never mind.}

Luckily, Luna didn't have to go far since the others were already on their way to them.

{The beach is very cool! Someone already wanted to play with me.} May exclaimed.

{Speak for yourself. Not even a second after I was close to the water that some perverts were already staring at us. I think that even a human looked at me with his disgusting perverted eyes.} The lopunny expressed her complaints.

"Really?"

{Well, I was with her and I didn't see any human looking at her that way, but maybe I missed it.} Dusk shared.

"Maybe you are becoming a bit paranoid, Bonny."

{Maybe, but how not to? Being this sexy is both a blessing and a curse.}

"That goes for your modesty level as well." Max retorted, making the others giggle.

*Hmpf* {You're all just jealous of my perfect body.}

{I have to admit that I am a bit jealous of your youthful energy.} Luna jested.

{Well, at least I'm not cheating with a fake body.} Bonny retorted a bit rudely to Luna.

"Bonny, come on. No need to get mean, she's just messing with you."

*sigh* {… Sorry, Luna.} Bonny apologized. {It's just that, I really hate when someone else other than master looks at me that way.} She finished, looking uncomfortable.

{Will it reassure you if I walk with you from now on? I can try to at least attract the humans away from you.} Luna proposed.

{I… okay, if you want to.} Bonny agreed, even though she looked even less comfortable.

"You don't seem happy with that. Are you sure?"

{No, I truly am. But I just feel like a burden right now.}

"No Bonny, you'r-"

{You're not a burden, Bonny.} Luna interrupted. {If you feel uncomfortable or unhappy about something, I will be more than glad to help you out.}

{… Thanks.} The lopunny thanked with a shy smile.

"Alright, now that everything is settled, let's drop the gloomy atmosphere, and let's start to have some fun," Max announced before standing up.

{Yeah!} Bonny, Dusk, and May replied in sync.

[What do you think of this place, Scarlet?] Max thought.

A few seconds later, Scarlet appeared next to Max.

{… Looks okay.} She said after a quick lookout.

"We chose the quietest place."

{This will do I guess.} She confirmed while noticing a few humans not very far from them.

"Luna will be there to help you if anything happens."

Scarlet then eyed Luna's amazonian body for a few seconds.

{Knowing how humans are, it could work. I could be a two-headed rainbow gardevoir and no human would ever notice me if they see something they want to fuck next to me.}

"If they're not too intimidated by her, then I agree."

{Then what are we waiting for?} Bonny asked, getting impatient.

"… That the last member of the group joins us on the fun." Max pointed out while taking Jade's pokeball.

{Oh, right.} Scarlet grumbled. {Let's not forget about her.}

"Don't tell me you disagree."

{Not with you, but she always insists on wanting to stay inside her pokeball, so why not go with her wishes?}

"Because I want to show her that there is much more to life than what she got used to and this pokeball. Are you really that hostile towards the happiness of someone else?"

{I'm not hostile, it's just that you already have a lot to take care of.} She replied, motioning to the group.

"I'm willing to give it a try."

{… Whatever. Do what you want, then.} She retorted a bit angrily with crossed arms.

"Thanks." He replied a bit coldly before releasing Jade.

When materialized, Jade quickly looked around and immediately felt uncomfortable when she noticed she was in the center of the group.

{Y-yes?} Jade shyly asked while she noticed Scarlet glaring at her intently in a not-so-friendly way.

"We are at the beach if you still want to have fun with us."

{… Fun?}

"Yes, fun. Don't worry, no one will try anything here."

Not responding, she only looked around.

{I… don't know if it's a good idea.}

"Come on Jade, it's not like enjoying yourself a bit would kill you."

{He's right. Come with us, we'll teach you.} Bonny intervened before grabbing her hand and pulling her away with May and Dusk.

{Might as well follow them to be sure they don't corrupt her too much.} Luna said before following them with Aurora.

{You coming?} The lucario asked to Max.

"Yeah, go ahead. I'll be just behind for a moment."

With her nodding, all of the group left, leaving Max alone with Scarlet.

"Sorry if I was a bit rude just now." Max apologized to the red gardevoir.

{You don't have to apologize for standing your ground, master.}

"I know you don't like her, but I can't just turn my back on her just because she's afraid of doing things. All of this seems new to her, so of course, she will be hesitant and afraid."

{Happy to see that you care for her so much.}

"Oh come on Scarlet, what's with that tone?" Max asked softly while getting behind her, hands on her shoulders.

{Nothing. It's just that for a moment, I thought you cared more for her than me.}

"And what makes you think that?"

{Mostly the part where you wanted to include her in our little fun moment without even telling me a thing about it.}

"I… I honestly didn't think that it would bother you that much."

{Just having her in the team bothers me and you know that.} Scarlet said, turning her head to look at Max with one eye.

"… Sorry then. Maybe I shouldn't have taken for granted that you wouldn't mind that much if I tried to help another gardevoir." Max replied, removing his hands from her.

{All of this since that day would've never happened if you had just put your kindness aside for just one single time. And there's no need to be condescending yourself.} Scarlet exclaimed a little angry.

Not speaking, both of them only glared at each other.

*sigh* {Look at me, I'm being the mean one in this story.} She admitted, rubbing her face.

"Just a teensy tiny bit." Max agreed, making Scarlet look at him funnily. "I'm only kidd-"

{No, you're right. All you want to do is to help her, or anyone you can for that matter.}

"Well, maybe not anyone but-"

{It's in your nature Max, don't try to deny it. We have you here, being nice and all; and then we have me here, trying to stop you from that.}

"Stop it Scarlet," Max ordered. "Now don't you go and try to invalidate your feelings. You have the right to not like her and you have the right to not agree with my decision in trying to help her. However, I have the right to try and accomplish just that. I'm not asking you to be her friend or to just be quiet about it. I'm only asking you to give me a chance. To give her a chance if you can."

{Giving her a chance?}

"Why not? Who knows, maybe both of you could get along very well. She could even be like your long-lost sister, so to speak."

{Whoa, hold your horses. There is absolutely no way I'll consider one of my kind as family or just a friend. I hate my species, with my entire being. No way I'll consider someone like her something worth living.}

"…"

*sigh* {But for you, I can at least consider her not a threat. It's the best I can do.}

"Alright, that's good enough for me. If you don't have the urge to destroy her anymore, it's an evolution I guess."

{Until we find a suitable trainer for her. Don't forget about that.}

"... Until we do. So you really don't mind Jade staying with us for the time being?"

{As long as she doesn't try to put her hands where they don't belong and risking losing them, then no, not that much. I know it's how you are. Trying to stop you would make me the one acting out of spite.}

"Glad to hear."

{And I'm glad that you respected my feelings and needs. For that, I'll do my best for you and live alongside her for a while if needed. I'll have my eyes locked on her though.}

"Really? Well, I know where mine will be locked on."

{Eh, you irresistible and naughty, naughty human.} Scarlet exclaimed a bit sensually while floating towards him. {How can a human be this exceptional?} She wondered while stroking his hair.

"Maybe because I have a gardevoir that is even more exceptional."

{It's not true. My color is the only exceptional thing about me and when you know how-}

"I keep telling you time and again that you are more than just a red gardevoir. You're probably the only creature alive that is this nice with a background like yours. Even without it, not many put aside their needs to go and help others, especially when you are a needy pokemon like yourself."

[Eh, I am a needy pokemon. Care to take care of my needs?] She asked before going for a kiss.

"Well, the others are waiting for us, so…"

[Come on, they won't die from being separated from you for a couple of minutes.]

"It's more than a couple minutes with you."

[It won't be long, I promise.] She affirmed before taking one of his hands and put it between her legs. [See how wet I am? If you put your heart to it, you could make me come five times in ten minutes.]

"… Alright, but where-"

Mid-sentence, Scarlet teleported both of them away, reappearing on a totally deserted part of the beach, probably on the other side of the rocky formation.

"Good place to be raped." Max jested

[Indeed.] Scarlet agreed before stripping Max out of his clothes. [Oh, I see that knowing we will mate excites you.] She pointed out, staring at his semi-hard junk.

"Knowing how impatient you are, I try to be ready as fast as possible."

[Hmm hm, let's just pretend it's that.] She conceded before starting to push him back until they're at the foot of the small cliff behind them and between a couple of big rocks.

Now on a good spot, she made him sit and sat on him, pressing her hot and drenched entrance against his shaft.

"You really want me to get inside you, do you?"

[I really do, but a little bit of foreplay makes things better.] She said before kissing him passionately.

Almost immediately, Scarlet stuck out her tongue, wanting access to his mouth to which he obliged and they initiated their tongue wrestling. A couple of seconds later and after she started to grind herself against him, Max was feeling hornier than ever, feeling the urge to just pound his mate right then and there.

[You want me, do you?]

[Yes!]

[Then take me and ravage me in any way you desire!]

Not needing to be told twice, Max took Scarlet's hips and positioned them before dropping them down onto him, making both of them almost come instantly.

"Let's… wait a few seconds."

{Why? Scared to come too fast?}

"Because you're not?"

{Not. At. All.} Scarlet taunted.

Responding to her provocation, Max grabbed her hips tighter and began to ravage her. Obviously, it only took a few thrusts for Max to come immediately, with him hoping that it was the same for Scarlet. Luckily for him, it was.

"Shit! What a start."

{And there is more to come.}

Immediately, Scarlet was now the one to move, assaulting Max's manhood relentlessly with her narrow honey pot. Even though they lasted longer, it didn't take a while before both of them came again.

"Damn! *pant* We're quite synchronized today."

{There are days like this. Don't rest now, you still have to make me come three more times.}

"I wish I could, but two is my limit for now."

{Aww, poor little thing. Here, let your lovely pokemon help you with that.} Scarlet said before her hands briefly glowed in blue from her psychic power.

"Thanks, I guess." Max thanked, feeling his pleasure and lust rising again, as well as his member.

Not wasting a second, Scarlet went for another ride with Max, getting a bit more beastly in each round. The deeper Scarlet was trying to go, the louder her moans were getting. Like she said before, Scarlet came five times after roughly ten minutes of wild mating and Max two other times.

[Ahhh! What a relief.] Scarlet exclaimed, panting.

"Quite, even though I'm a bit wasted."

[Really? After a small exercise like that?]

"You don't go easy on me, plus Aurora practically forced me to keep going at it for most of the night."

[Hehe, true.] She conceded, staring at his eyes.

Then, at this very moment, they heard some rock crumbling. Looking at the noise's provenance, Max and Scarlet saw a simipour, half-hidden behind a boulder and staring at them.

{Oh, hem, don't mind me. Keep going.} The pokemon said while hiding the rest of her body, leaving only her eyes visible.

{What the hell?} Scarlet growled.

{Say, if you're done with him, can I try?} The simipour asked to Scarlet. {It looks fun and he looks good.}

{… You have exactly two seconds to leave before I lose my temper.} Scarlet threatened with an eerie tone of voice.

{Sooo, is that a no?}

{Get out!} Scarlet bawled before tossing a Shadowball at her.

Crouching behind the boulder, the simipour managed to avoid the attack that exploded on the top of it.

[Gha! I tell you, the manners of some pokemon.] Scarlet grumbled.

"You didn't try to kill him or her for real, did you? Well, I hope it was a her."

[Why? You plan on fucking her?]

"Not really. It would have been a bit uncomfortable for me that a male wanted to mate with me."

[Not for me.] She replied with a small grin. [Anyway, you see where my attack landed? If I really wanted to destroy her, she would already be obliterated into several pieces by now.]

"Scarlet, you know that I don't like it when you talk like that."

[I know, I'm sorry. It slipped my mind. On the other hand, if she had kept minding her own business, we wouldn't even be having this conversation right now.]

"If you say so." Max retorted with rolling eyes. "We should get going before the others start having fun without us."

[It's not like we don't have fun ourselves.]

Chuckling, Max stood up and put away his weapon before they walked back to the group. As they were walking away, a curious simipour was still present and staring at them.

{No fair. That human looks so yummy.} She mumbled to herself.

After a short walk, Max came across Bonny, Dusk, and May throwing a beach volleyball at each other with Luna, Aurora, and Jade spectating them, with Jade a bit away from the others.

"Playing already? Without us?"

{Well, since we didn't know long it would take you guys, we decided to warm up in the meantime.} Bonny explained while hitting the ball.

{Here we go again, still unable to contain himself.} Aurora commented desperately.

{I thought it wouldn't bother you anymore now.} Luna pointed out.

{I don't know what you're talking about. It still and will always bother me that he can't keep it in his pants.}

{I guess it depends on to whom he shows it.} Bonny commented while looking at the jackal pokemon with a slightly arrogant expression.

{How about you shut up?} Aurora retorted.

"Or how about we stop here and all of us start to have fun for real?" Max intervened.

{It was about to be, but any kind of fun works for me.} Scarlet shared.

{I'm with master!} Bonny shotgunned.

{No fair!} May complained. {I want to be with him too.}

"Alright, before it degenerates into a battle royale, let's settle this by random picks." Max proposed.

{I don't know how to play, so I'm gonna watch instead.} Jade pointed out.

"It's very simple, but looking at it first might indeed be easier for you. However, we'd end up in an uneven number of players."

{In that case, I'll stay with her to watch too.} Luna proposed, sitting next to her.

"Alright. If you don't mind not playing right now, I'll also be reassured that she has someone by her side. Okay, let's gather up to decide who is with who." Max announced.

A minute later, Max used a small game to divide the group into two teams. Scarlet and May ended up with Max; while Bonny, Dusk, and Aurora formed the opposing team.

{Okay, guys, we may not be with master, but might as well make it worth it and win.} Bonny motivated.

{Easy against him and May, but not so sure about Scarlet.} Aurora pointed out.

{We agreed on not using our powers. Physical endurance only.}

{Scarlet has good physical strength for a gardevoir, so we might still be in trouble.} Dusk informed.

{It's still not her specialty.} Bonny reminded. {If we work as a team and keep the pressure, it's almost a guaranteed win for us.}

{Are you starting or what?} Scarlet called impatiently from the other side.

{Sorry, we were just planning on how to make you eat dirt more gently.} Bonny taunted.

{Really? We almost feel bad for planning on obliterating you then.} Scarlet retorted.

Both she and the lopunny were glaring at each other with sparks in their eyes in a sign of rivalry.

[Wanna spice things up a bit?] The gardevoir proposed in her mind.

[What do you have in mind?]

[A little bet.]

[Tsk, should have known.] Bonny replied, rolling her eyes.

[Afraid to lose?] Scarlet taunted.

[No. It's just discouraging that everything has to be a competition with you.]

[Look who's talking.]

[Grr! Seriously, you can be a real pain in the rear. It's bad enough that I now can't be intimate with master until two weeks have passed and I have to begrudgingly be your servant for a whole week! And to add insult to injury you still wanna make me suffer with another stupid bet!] Bonny exclaimed very angrily in her mind towards Scarlet.

[Geez, okay. I understand your frustration. But I still want to carry on with my bet.] For a moment, Scarlet looked around before her eyes briefly landed on Aurora.

*Sigh* [Stubborn as a garchomp. Alright, what is it this time, you keeping him longer?]

[Hmm, since this bet it's already getting old and repetitive, I have something more… punishable.] Scarlet proposed with a soft wicked grin.

[More punishable?] Bonny repeated.

[How about this?, if I win, you will ask Aurora to join you in your next threesome with master.] Scarlet said with a mischievous grin.

[What?!] Bonny bawled.

"What's going on over there? Are we playing or are you gonna keep staring at each other?" Max questioned.

{Just a minute.} The lopunny reassured. [You really can't be serious about this, right?]

[Well, look on the bright side. If you win, I'll need to include her in my next threesome, and as a bonus for your victory, you only have to wait 1 week to be intimate with master and be my servant for just 3 days. And trust me, asking Aurora to join me in a threesome doesn't exactly make me thrilled, to say the least.]

[... Hmpf, I do see that our bets are getting a bit trashier.]

[They're fine to me. I mean, I don't like her much either, but she's a girl with needs like everyone else here.]

[Oh, I get it now. You chose that penalty because you knew it would get under my skin more than you.]

Not responding, Scarlet only shrugged her shoulders before briefly looking up at the sky.

[You know what, I won't be a scared pidgey. I accept the bet.]

[Awesome.] Scarlet replied before they both shook hands.

After a deep glare, both of them joined their respective team with Scarlet grinning in satisfaction.

(Tss. Thinking she can play with my head and influence me. I'm gonna win this and… Wait... Goddamnit.) Bonny cursed to herself before turning around. [That was your plan from the very start, wasn't it!?]

[I have absolutely no idea what you're talking about.]

{You little!… Ghrr!} Bonny growled.

{A problem?} Aurora asked.

{More or less. Let's just say that I may have been tricked.}

{That wouldn't be a first.}

For a second, Bonny felt the urge to slap her but reminded herself that they were all here to have fun and relax.

"Mind if I serve?" Max asked to the group.

{Please do. It will probably be the only time you will ever touch the ball.} Bonny nagged.

"We'll see about that." Max retorted before using one hand to toss the ball up in the air. Tracking the ball with his eyes, he took three short strides forward and jumped, successfully hitting the ball to the other team achieving what is known as an "ace".

Max managed to keep up with the team, which wasn't surprising anyone anymore. He knew they were going a bit easy on him, especially when he was able to block their spikes. Max was impressed about how agile and fast May was for her size and how she took advantage of it by countering their spikes with incredible ease. In fact, everyone impressed him through the games; Dusk is being quite aggressive and Aurora and Bonny were surprisingly working very well together, despite some futile arguments here and there. Impressing him a bit less but seeing cuteness in some ways, Scarlet was the one that had a bit of a hard time keeping up. For a gardevoir, she was indeed strong, but biologically, they weren't meant to be physical, so endurance wasn't her forte.

"Need a break?" Max questioned Scarlet, panting a little.

{Why? Do you… need one?} She replied, panting even more.

"Me? I could go on for hours."

{I doubt that. You're not… a pokemon like me.}

"A pokemon that has… no stamina you mean?"

{Aww, that's not… what you were thinking… a moment ago.}

{You okay back there?} Bonny demanded, worried and impatient.

"Can we call a five-minute break?"

{I don't have a problem with that.}

"Cool," Max said before leaving the terrain with his team.

As Bonny's team decided to take their break together on the battlefield, Max and his team sat next to Jade and Luna.

"Not too bored?"

{Not at all.} Luna answered with a smile.

"Yeah, I know how you love watching another pokemon fight." Max pointed out, at which Luna replied with a guilty grin. "What about you Jade?"

{Well, it sure is… instructive.}

"Do you like it?"

{Not sure. I can't really tell just by looking, but all of you sure seem to be having fun.}

"We do. Knowing that summer is close to its end, we enjoy it as much as we can."

{… I don't like winter.}

"Haha, something we have in common."

Upon laughing, Max felt Scarlet's eyes staring at him from the side, alongside with an irritated feeling.

"Anyway, winter's not here yet, so that is why we need to enjoy this as much as we can."

{… Enjoy.} Jade mumbled while staring blankly at the ocean.

For a moment, she stayed silent.

"Tell you what, I'm pretty sure you've learned how the game works by now, so it's time to dive in," Max exclaimed before standing up.

{What?} Jade questioned a bit nervously.

"Come on, I'm sure you'll like it." Max insisted.

{Hemm…}

{He's right.} Luna intervened. {Sometimes, you have to grab your fears by the collar and say 'that's enough!'.}

"Pretty special way to motivate, but I like it."

{…}

{Please?} May asked with her sad face.

{… A-alright.} Jade conceded.

"Awesome." Max expressed, presenting his hand to help her stand.

However, when he saw Scarlet glaring at him, he reconsidered and withdrew it. Again, even if it was a feeling Jade was used to, it was a feeling she didn't like. Strangely, it even hurt her a little. As she was trying to understand why Luna stood up and was the one to help her stand up.

"Mind if Jade plays with us?" Max asked Scarlet.

{Why? Bonny can take care of her as well as anyone.}

"Yes, but the strength ratio will be unbalanced. Luna is strong and Jade is a beginner. Hem, no offense Jade."

{It's okay.} Jade reassured, not looking offended at all.

{… Fine, whatever. It's not like my opinions are ever considered anyway.} She angrily retorted.

"That's just not true and you know that."

{No fighting, please.} Luna intervened.

*Hmpf* {Do what you want.} Scarlet said before floating towards their side of the court.

Upon seeing her, Bonny and her team stood up as well.

"Luna and Jade will join the game. Do you mind?" Max questioned the other team while getting on their side of the field.

{Not personally, but I suppose it means we have to reset the scores?} Bonny remarked as Luna joined them.

"Yes. Sorry."

{It's okay, as long as everyone acknowledged that we were about to win.}

"We both won one match and you only had one point of advance, but sure," Max replied sarcastically.

{What? It's true.}

Not answering, Max quickly explained the rules and positioning to Jade.

{Are you sure you want me to play with you? I'm probably gonna make you lose.} Jade said, not confident in herself.

"I don't mind. Anyway, don't think that way. We're a team and will play as such. We're all here to back you up as well as you're here to back us up. Isn't that right?" Max explained, looking at Scarlet.

{Yeah yeah.} The red gardevoir replied, not even looking at them.

{…}

"Come on, the worst that can happen is that you have fun."

{… I don't know, I'm not really used to that.}

"Trust me, Jade, you'll start having fun once you get the hang of this," Max assured while recapping the game rules once more in-depth.

He then asked her if she minded going to the easiest spot for the beginning and she answered that she didn't mind.

"It's easy, all you have to do is to either pass the ball to someone or spike it to the other side after the second pass." Max abridged before positioning himself. "Mind if I start this, girls?" He added before serving.

The game then quickly started, with the other team doing a few passes back and forth before the ball returned to Max's team. After a few exchanges, the ball was going back to them, but towards Jade. Taken by surprise and scared, she shielded her face with her arms, the ball colliding with her before dropping on the ground.

{That's a point for us!} Bonny exclaimed before high-fiving Aurora.

On the other hand, Dusk and Luna were a bit more concerned about Jade.

"You okay?" Max asked, moving next to her.

{You were supposed to hit back the ball you know.} Scarlet commented.

"You're not helping Scarlet." Max scolded.

{I am. I'm just telling her what she should have done.}

"She knows that already. I'll take more constructive comments from now on if you don't mind."

Huffing angrily, Scarlet crossed her arms and looked away.

"You okay?" Max repeated to Jade.

{I'm sorry. It arrived too quickly and I didn't know what to do and-} She quickly expressed before Max interrupted her.

"Relax, it's only a game. We'll put the ball back into the game and retry, that's all."

{I'm so-}

"Please stop saying you're sorry. Now, here's a little trick. Always keep your eyes locked on the ball and always be ready to intercept it. Always think it's gonna go towards you."

{… O-okay. I'll t-try.}

"You can do it, I'm sure you will," Max assured before preparing another serve.

Again, the game started with everyone going everywhere, knowing what to do. Jade then tried her best to stay focused on the ball with minimalistic movement. She quickly realized that almost everyone was trying to avoid shooting at her, until…

"There you go," Max called out before passing the ball to her.

This time, she was ready and she managed to hit the ball... off the field.

"It's okay Jade, it happens when you're a beginner," Max reassured before she could say anything and went to get the ball.

{I really shouldn't play.} Jade insisted.

{Be patient. You just need some practice. Keep playing and you will see.} May reassured, at which Jade responded with a shy nod.

"She's right. I don't want to force you to play but at least try it until you manage to hit the ball back once."

Jade hesitated a moment before shyly nodding again. She didn't want to be a burden, but they seemed to really insist. At this point, she began to say to herself that if they lose, they asked for it. For a while, they did a couple of matches. They all seemed to have a great time, except for Jade. However, the more she was trying, the less egregious her mistakes were. Over time, she was getting better until she almost had the hang of it a few times. At one point, Max noticed that she was trying harder than when she started.

"Alright girls, it all comes down to this. The first team to score will be proclaimed the winner."

{Just throw the ball already so I can finally brag about our win.} Bonny nagged.

"Haha, now I want to see your losing face even more."

{Ha, as if that's going to happen.}

"Alright girls, stay alert and don't be reckless. Here comes the victory point." Max announced before serving.

The first one to receive the ball was Bonny. She bumped it to Dusk, who then set it to Luna. In mid-air, she spiked it onto the other team. It was aimed for the 10-foot line. May quickly adjusted her position to receive the spike, but the ball floated back over to the other side. Intentionally or not, the ball went towards Luna, who passed it back immediately. They did a few more exchanges to and fro until Bonny was given a set to spike it back. Going towards him with quite the speed, Max didn't have the time to coordinate his arms correctly and the ball hit him with quite the impact.

"Touch!" He called.

He turned around and cradled his arm. Not only did it hurt a little, but the ball went so high towards the outside zone of the field, no one was there to cover for him.

"Fuck." Max cursed, watching the ball starting to make its descent towards the ground.

{… Yha!}

Then, in the blink of an eye, Jade dived at the ball and managed to lift the ball from the ground and then proceeded to jump and knock it back to the other team's side with impressive speed and power. The other team was now trapped in the same situation, and Aurora was the closest one to the ball, but unfortunately, she couldn't get it in time. The ball finally hit the sand, meaning Max's team won the game.

"… Wow. That was really impressive!" Max exclaimed, looking at Jade.

Not answering, Jade only looked away, slightly blushing.

{We won master!} May exclaimed as well.

"Yes, we did it! Oh yeah. Oh yeah." Max expressed, doing a victory dance with her.

{What just happened?} Bonny wondered.

{Jade scored the last point.} Luna answered, not remotely affected by the defeat.

{Did she use her power?} Aurora asked suspiciously.

{No, but looks like she has some tricks up her sleeve that we didn't know of.}

{N-now that the game is done, I'm gonna take a break.} Jade announced before sitting a bit further away from the field.

Before anyone could say anything, she was already floating away.

"... Alright then, who's digging for an ice cream?"

{Me!} May yelled.

{Why not?} Scarlet agreed.

{What about us?} Bonny asked, who had joined them with her team.

"You lost, so you can't have one."

{… Oh. I suppose that's fair, then.} She replied, sounding slightly sad.

" Haha, relax sexy girl, I'm joking. Of course, you'll get one too." Max reassured, petting her head. "Can't believe you fell for that." He laughed.

{I hate you.} She growled softly.

"Of course you do. I'll be back."

{You'll probably need my help for carrying all of them.} Scarlet said.

"Good point," Max confirmed.

As they were leaving, Max was stopped by Luna with a hand on one of his shoulders.

{May I propose to replace you in getting them?}

"Hemm…" Max hesitated, looking at Scarlet, with what she only replied with shrugging shoulders. "Sure. Let me just give you the money." He added before giving a little more money to Luna for eight small ice creams. "Do you know where it is?"

{Yes, don't worry. Be nice while we're gone.} Luna replied, booping his nose before leaving with the red gardevoir.

After smiling a bit dumbly, Max headed back to the others. He saw Dusk, Bonny, May, and Aurora talking together close to the net with Jade sitting alone, playing in the sand while occasionally looking at the others and around her.

"… You were amazing back there," Max told to Jade, sitting next to her.

{Y-you think? I didn't really do much.}

"For a beginner, you did quite a lot, but I was talking more about the last point you made."

{Oh, that.}

"You were really fast to save the ball when it was really close to the ground and countering with such a strong blow..."

{… I suppose. I don't know.}

"I didn't know a gardevoir could do that."

{I can't really speak for the others, but for my part, I had to be at a certain level of speed if I wanted to… to survive.}

"To survive?"

{… I don't know if it was intentional or not, but I was often sent or posted to dangerous places. If it wasn't for my speed, I would have ended up dead like the few others whom I lived with.}

"If I go with the feeling I have about your previous… mentor, there is a chance that it was intentional."

{I don't really know. To be honest, it would be really stupid to purposely get rid of working hands.}

"Hmm, true. Then I guess she must not have cared about your well-being, as long as shit got done."

{I never really understood what she was planning. Most of the time, if not all the time, I was working with others and we were only tasked to keep guard or watch.}

"Watch what?"

{I don't know. It wasn't my place to question Qsalyla's orders. It wasn't anyone's in fact.}

"I have my ideas on why. It may sound weird, but thanks to that, it made you super speedy. That could be a strong asset in battles."

{I don't want to fight or seek confrontation, I just want to survive.}

"Well, technically, we all try to do that, but we try to do a little bit more than that."

{More?} Jade repeated, a bit intrigued.

"We also try to live our life to the fullest in the time we have. Look at them," Max replied, pointing at Bonny and the others. "They look so happy being together with me. I love all of them, and I consider us all as a family. However, if I was unable to feed them, protect them or fulfill their needs, they would leave me to find a better way to survive. When your primary needs are assured and you don't have to worry much about them, you can start to take care of secondary ones; such as entertainment, social life, affection, and a couple of other things. Are you starting to get what I'm trying to say?"

{… More or less. I understand that I don't have to fight for my life constantly anymore, but the other concepts… I'm a bit unfamiliar with them.}

"Really? When we were playing, what were you feeling?"

{I honestly don't know. I guess it wasn't… life-threatening.}

"… Okay," Max replied, a bit perplexed. "How about our victory then?"

{Victory?}

"Yeah, what was your feeling when we won? When you made us win the match?"

{… I...} Jade started, looking at her hands. {… Would… slightly proud be too exaggerated?}

"Eh, not at all. Proud is a good start. The next step will be to have fun."

{… Well… I guess I… had some… fun.}

"You did?" He expressed, looking at the pale green gardevoir with a small grin.

{I-I think.} She replied with a faint blush.

"Really happy to hear. If you want to, we can have fun anytime. As long as you're with us, we'll have multiple occasions to play together."

{Is that so?} She replied, hugging her legs shyly.

For a split second, Max could swear he saw a smile, but it was so small that he couldn't be sure.

"... Jade, can I ask you a favor?"

{Hmm?}

"I want you to try and see if you can get along with Scarlet, to show her that you mean well."

{What?! W-why are you asking me this?!} Jade exclaimed, shocked at the bizarre proposal.

"Well, I'm gonna be blunt with you, Scarlet isn't happy that I added you to the team, though I'm pretty sure you already know that."

{I do know of her hostility towards me, but… I'm not sure I can do that. She scares me.}

"Hey, it's okay, you don't have to worry about Scarlet… hurting you or ending your life if that's what you're afraid about," Max reassured.

{... I'm sorry but… I… I don't think I can do it.} Jade replied before she instantly covers herself with her arms and starts whimpering in fear.

"What's wrong, Jade?" Max asked, concerned and confused by her sudden actions.

{Just get my punishment over with, please.}

"... P-punishment? Why would I do that?!" Max replied, flabbergasted by her response.

Jade wasn't sure if she heard him right. {Y-you're not... gonna punish me for disobeying you?}

"Why should I, Jade? It's not like I'm mad at you or anything of the sort. At most, I'm kinda disappointed. You don't have to socialize with Scarlet if you don't want to."

{... But, I don't understand. I would get harshly punished if I even dared to object to Qsalyla's orders. Why aren't you doing the same?}

"Oh, sorry to hear that. But Jade, you're forgetting one crucial detail: I'm not Qsalyla. I don't beat up or punish my team for not doing things my way, I can be strict with them but I would never dare to hurt them in any way whatsoever. Remember my loss against the gym leader Dulshin? I was angry that we lost, I felt embarrassed and anger because… well, I don't like losing, especially in front of so many people, and my anger made me act very rudely to the ones I cherish. You can even go ask the girls about this and they'll tell you that I never laid a finger on them."

{...}

"So hey, don't feel guilty for not accepting my favor. Everything's okay." Max said with a reassuring smile.

{T-thanks. I… can see why the others seem so comfortable and happy around you.} She thanked him, the faintest of a blush adorning her cheeks.

"Hehe, just call me Max."

{Okay, M-Max.} She stammered, a bit shy of pronouncing his name. {To be honest, it's not that I don't want to, but I just don't think it's possible.}

*sigh* "Now that I think about it, it was a rather silly request. I don't doubt your good intentions, but Scarlet… I love her so much, but some things will probably never change. I just wish that I could have saved her one way or another."

Jade then sensed a bit of sadness, anger, and remorse coming from Max. She wasn't really familiar with the concept of altruism, but she could feel the affection he was feeling while speaking of her. She was about to say she was sorry for him when she got interrupted.

{Having fun over here?}

Back from their tiny journey for ice cream, Scarlet and Luna were now standing next to Max and Jade, with the zoroark holding two cones and Scarlet holding the same amount with the rest floating close to her.

"Quite," Max answered to Scarlet. "Everything went okay?"

{Yeah, you could say that.} Scarlet replied, looking at Luna with a slightly upset expression.

"Huh?"

{Don't pay attention to her.} Luna defended. {I think she's just a bit jealous of my persuasive skills.}

{Ha, don't make me laugh. Gigantic knockers are not considered skills.}

{Who cares if it works.} The zoroark argued while shaking her chest a little, making the gardevoir sigh heavily and attracting Max's attention.

Next to him, Max was now sure he heard Jade giggling.

{Anyway, here's your shit.} Scarlet said while giving one cone to Max.

"Thanks."

{And here's yours.} Luna announced to Jade before giving her one cone as well and sitting next to her.

{I'll be back.} Scarlet announced.

After Max nodded, Scarlet went to give the remaining ice cream to the others and then returned to sit next to Max, starting to consume hers. Immediately, the others followed and sat next to the red gardevoir, making a perfect line of ice cream eaters.

{It's actually not that bad.} Scarlet commented.

"Isn't it? Ice cream is always a great treat."

{It hurts my teeth a little.} Aurora complained.

"Just make sure not to touch it with them and use only your tongue."

{You can trust him, he's an expert on the matter.} May shared.

{Haha, nice shot.} Bonny praised, followed by a high five from both of them.

As Max shook his head with a sigh, they all enjoyed the moment of peace together while eating their treat. After a little while, everyone was done, except for Luna who has yet to finish the little remaining amount in her cone.

{Didn't know you were a slow eater.} Bonny commented upon noticing the zoroark's cone still in her hand.

{What can I say? I love taking my time to enjoy the taste and to savor a treat.} She explained while looking at Max with the corner of one eye.

Not aware of Luna's comment, Max then noticed the sudden silence with all of them looking at him.

"Huh? What is it?" Max inquired before the others began to laugh.

{Clueless as always, aren't you master?} Scarlet teased, stroking his hair.

"Not if you explain to me."

{Don't mind it, master.} Bonny said while standing up. {You should think of what to do next instead.}

"Good idea."

{How about you go arrange another appointment with that gym leader.} Scarlet proposed. {If I recall correctly, it can take a while before you can battle again.}

"True, but it can always wait for tomorrow."

{The more you wait, the higher the chance for you to wait longer.}

*sigh* "True again. Well, let's get this over with then." Max replied, standing up as well.

{It could be nice that we get lucky like last time.} May said, following her master.

{I wouldn't bet on it. That kind of luck is very unlikely to happen more than once.} Aurora pointed out.

{She's right. Statistically, you have a higher chance to get sexually assaulted by a machoke.} Scarlet remarked to tease Max once again.

"Ugh, thanks for the image." Max retorted with a shudder and slightly disdained expression.

{It kind of sucks. I wish we could spend more time here.} May expressed.

"Well, technically, you could stay if you really want to, but I'm not really into leaving you alone here."

{I can stay with her.} Dusk proposed.

"You would?"

{Yeah. I also wanted to stay a little bit longer. It's really fun here.}

"Alright. Thanks my pretty." He added, petting her.

{My beauty sleep is in a little while, so I can watch them a bit.} Luna proposed.

"Okay, thanks to you as well."

{… No petting for me?} She complained with a pouting face.

Rolling his eyes, Max turned to Luna and extended his hand to pet her as well.

{Shishi.} She giggled lowly with a huge grin.

"... Damn, I can't believe we forgot to do one certain activity: the sandcastles," Max remarked.

{... You're right, master.} May gasped.

"Maybe you three can use this extra time on the beach to have that building competition."

{Yeah! Bet you can't beat me in building an awesome sandcastle, Dusk.} May declared her challenge.

{We'll see about that. I'm gonna win for sure.} Dusk retorted with determination.

{Can you be our judge, Luna?} May suggested.

{It would be my pleasure.} The zoroark agreed.

{Yay!} Both May and Dusk yelled in gratitude.

"Hehe. Let's go then. Take care of yourselves and have fun girls."

The three pokemon nodded in response.

{Before we go, can I… talk to you, Scarlet?} Aurora interrupted.

{Hemm… I guess.} Scarlet replied, briefly looking at Max interrogatively.

"… Do you want us to wait for you?"

{No need to. We'll catch up with you later.} Aurora assured.

"… Okay then. See you later." Max said after he and Scarlet looked at each other briefly.

After May, Dusk and Luna went in one direction, and Max, Bonny, and Jade on another, Scarlet turned towards Aurora.

{I hope it's not for asking if I cheated in the game.} Scarlet started with crossed arms.

{I don't care about the game, so don't worry. What I actually want to ask you is… if you can…}

{… I'm listening.} Scarlet said upon seeing her hesitating.

{I was wondering if you can train me.} Aurora bluntly asked.