章 116: Special Chapter : Spencers' Christmas [1/2]
Inside a certain property, snowflakes were dancing in the air before landing on the white blanket of winter that covered the entirety of the Spencer manor. We are in December and the air outside was cold, but Max was nonetheless out there, doing his daily training with Mad-Ji, which, as always, consisted of having his ass handed to him by the merciless gardevoir. As of now, they were doing some hand-to-hand combat with Mad-Ji pummeling him with a barrage of punches and kicks until one punch to the sternum made him drop on the snowy ground.
{Your guard! Your fucking guard, for fuck's sake!} The gardevoir shouted. {Do you even listen when I speak, or do you have too much dry cum in your fucking ears!?}
"I'm… trying…" Max said.
{Then try fucking HARDER!} She yelled before kicking Max in the side, making him growl in pain.
Loudly sighing, Mad-Ji materialized one of her weird cigarettes before igniting it with a finger. She took a huge puff before spitting the cloud out.
{I'm starting to wonder if you are just here to waste my time.} She started before going over to Max and picking him up onto his feet with just one hand; a common feat for her. {You simply suck at everything, even at being the worst pile of shit ever. I wish I could feel sorry for you, but I have no sympathy for insects such as yourself. Just give up already.}
"...Heh. Here we go again… with the Friday speech. Every time, you wait until Friday to say something like that to me so it can torment me for two whole days, hoping that I will caress the idea of giving up. You truly are an evil mastermind."
Mad-Ji took a puff of her cigarette.
{My job is to try to break your body and mind often enough for you to give up. But if you don't, you haven't reached your breaking point yet. That's how you spot those with a real will to survive.}
"Heh. I think it's the first time I hear you say something nice to me."
{Don't get ahead of yourself, cum-bucket slave. You're a loser whose breaking point I just have to find, and I will get there, trust me. And if you ever even think about giving up at that moment, you can be sure that you will get a beat-up that you won't be able to stand up from, unlike last time. I hope you understand the wasp nest you're in right now.}
"Clear as it can be. So, same time, same place Monday morning?"
{Sadly, I won't be able to make mash out of your organs for the next two weeks.}
"Really? Ow— How so?" Max said, feeling a sting on his sides.
{I will be on a two-week holiday break.}
"Oh, right. It's Christmas next week."
{It's a good opportunity for your body to heal to the fullest. That way, I'll be able to hit harder the day I come back.}
"Well, I sure didn't expect that as a Christmas gift." Max jested.
After taking another puff, Mad-Ji's eyes glowed in blue before Max got buried alive by an enormous blanket of snow.
[That's my gift for Christmas. A little test to see if you can come out before you suffocate. See you in two weeks, dipshit.] Mad-Ji said before teleporting away.
The zone was silent for a moment before faint snow movement could be heard. Shortly after, Max's hand popped out of the blanket, followed by his head a moment later.
"Pfwaa!" Max loudly exhaled before deeply inhaling. "She's really a monster to the core," Max commented while struggling to get out.
{Good thing she didn't hear you.}
Raising his head, Max saw Scarlet standing next to the snow pile with crossed arms.
"Pretty sure she did but just didn't feel like coming back just to bitch slap me."
{If only it could be just that.}
"Yeah," Max said before sighing loudly and taking a break from struggling so much.
{Need some help?}
"Do you want to get both of us killed? You know you aren't supposed to help me, ever."
{I don't see or sense her around.}
"I don't want to take the risk, thank you. If she finds out, she's gonna make me wish that I had a much more oppressive father than being with her."
{That's an odd comparison.}
"Yeah, well, I almost died under that pile of snow, so give me a little break, please. Ghaa!" Max said before managing to free half of his body.
{So melodramatic.} Scarlet nagged playfully with rolling eyes.
"What can I say, we can't all be perfect and pretty like you," Max replied while standing up after freeing himself.
{Maybe, but seeing you try to reach my level is low-key interesting. Almost inspiring.}
"Yeah, keep telling yourself that." Max jested as both began to head towards the mansion.
{*sigh* At least you're still in one piece. I always get worried sick about you every time you're with her.}
"I'm a tough nail, remember? I should be fine."
{I can't ever be so sure about it. She enjoys hurting you and loves seeing you in pain so much. If only I was able to put her in her place.}
"She's rough and she might have a psychopathic side, but she agreed on helping us, which she wasn't forced to do. She's training us of her free will. It makes me believe that she might have a few good sides."
{That would be the most unrealistic fairytale I had ever heard.}
"Life could surprise us. Who knows? Maybe she has a soft side and cries for twenty minutes every night." Max joked.
Scarlet then put her hand near Max and made her eyes and hand glow with blue psychic energy.
"What are you doing?"
{Checking if you're delirious because of a concussion or just under a shitload of drugs.}
"Who's melodramatic, now?" Max replied, gently pushing Scarlet's hand away. "I was just joking. Of course, she doesn't cry, because she probably ripped her own tear glands herself, because humidified eyes are for the weak."
{If you ask me, she's just an otherworldly demon that flayed a gardevoir and wore it.}
"And feasts upon the flesh of our children and virgins just to maintain her link to this world."
{And once she's done devouring everyone and burning everything to the ground, she's just gonna sacrifice the remaining life forms of this planet for a ritual to invade another.}
"And then, rise and repeat forever and ever until she destroys God and reality itself."
{Yep. I think we nailed who she really is.}
"Totally." Max approved before both shared a light laugh. "Haha. *sigh* So glad she didn't hear that."
{If she did, I think she would just be over that from how over-ridiculous it was.}
"We kinda let our imagination go wild on this one."
{Indeed. It was fun though. Been a while since we were able to think together like this.}
"Let's say that the occasions were rather scarce."
{It didn't help, that's for sure.}
Max then raised his head a little, seeing the mansion between trees.
"I wonder how the Spencers celebrate Christmas here."
{They have a child, so probably like every other human. The difference is that Dimitri must have it way better.}
"Money sure can buy you a lot of material, but it's never always just about presents. Aristide works a lot, and maybe Dimitri has spent a few Christmases without his father, which is the worst for a kid."
{I suppose. How was it for you when you were younger?}
At that, Max briefly stopped before resuming his walk.
"...Since my mother left my life, I never really had an enjoyable Christmas Eve. And for the past couple of years, I just didn't celebrate it."
{Oh. That's harsh.}
"How can you tell? I believe that pokémon don't really celebrate Christmas unless they are with a human family."
{I know it can be important for humans, for various reasons.}
"Depending on where you are and your religious beliefs, it can be, yes."
{I see.} Scarlet said before her feather-like ears moved up. {Oh, I just got an idea.}
"An idea?"
{Well, it's more of a sudden realization than an idea. Being here could give you the opportunity to experience that moment again.}
"You mean, like, celebrating Christmas after all those years?" Max guessed, with Scarlet nodding. "Well, it's been a while since the last time. I don't really want to impose myself on their Christmas uninvited."
{For fuck's sake, Max. You live here and Helene pretty much adopted you, so of course, you're invited.}
"Good point. I guess it just has been that long."
{Judging by the memories you have from your early years, it was really a good moment for you, so taking part in it once again could help you a lot.}
"...I don't know. So much happened, and Jade's death… It's rough. I know that compared to Dusk I look fine, but…"
{*sigh* Despite Phanny's consultations, she's really gotten distant from everyone. She barely seems present in the training and refuses to take part in anything besides that. I'm really worried about her mental health. She's… not the Dusk we used to know, and… I doubt she will ever be again.}
"...After an episode like we just went through, I wouldn't blame her. Things like that… really do something to your soul."
{Yeah. I know for a fact that it does.}
"And the others… They all put in a convincing facade, but we both can see through it. We are still all dealing with grief. And despite making us stronger, sessions with Mad-Ji really do slow down the process. Hearing how worthless we are doesn't help at all."
{...And yet, I have the feeling that she's…}
"Hm?"
{N-Nothing. Just some parasitic thoughts.}
"...Okay."
Then, as they were getting near the mansion, a brief silence settled.
"Now that I think about it, maybe Christmas can do good for all of us."
{Definitely, even a little. But I don't know how many of us are familiar with the holiday.}
"Besides Bonny, all of the girls got in contact with humans for a given time, so they might all have experienced it at least once."
{Good point. Now the big question is: will they be in the mood to celebrate?}
"I thought about it, but then I told myself; no matter how down you feel, receiving gifts always makes the heart flutter, even if just a little."
{In normal circumstances, it could be true, but in Dusk's case, I wonder. She might be in so much pain that she just won't feel anything at all.}
"...I guess so," Max admitted, dropping his head in discouragement.
{B-But it's not a certainty.} Scarlet quickly replied, wanting to fix her mistake. {It might not do anything, but it surely won't do badly. I say it's worth the try.}
"True. A way to express your appreciation to someone can't possibly make you go more into the negative." Max said, raising his head again.
{Exactly.} Scarlet approved. {Phew.} She softly vocalized in relief.
"But what could I possibly offer them? Pokémon mostly aren't as materialistic as humans."
{Something that could possibly benefit them.}
"Okay, but what?"
{Sorry, but you're on your own for this one. I can't really tell you what you want to offer them.}
"I know, but maybe just some ideas."
{I just gave you one.}
"Something that can benefit. I don't know what that could be."
{Then you'll have to put your mind to it. You still have a couple of days to figure something out.}
"*sigh* I guess. I'll think about it within the next few days. Maybe I could check online for what I can order."
{Wonderful.} Scarlet said before grabbing the doorknob of the patio door to open it. {But for now, you're gonna take off your wet and cold clothes and take a shower before catching something.}
"Oh. Is that an invitation?" Max said, entering the mansion.
{Yes, an invitation to wash off your dirty ass. But I can join if you want.}
"I kind of promised Sally to take one with her today, so if you don't mind sharing…"
{I'll pass. Shower time is a thing I prefer to be a one-on-one thing. Doing nasty things in a shower is already a hazardous activity, which is worse with three people in.}
"Who said there was going to be nasty stuff?"
{Seriously?} Scarlet retorted, looking at Max with a skeptical face.
"What? A guy and a girl can share a shower without doing nasty stuff all the time."
{Really now?}
"Of course. It just happens, like, 80% of the time."
{Oh. Sorry that I didn't take the true ratio into account.}
"It's okay. It's a common mistake."
{Sure is. Anyway, I think I'm gonna go grab a little snack before dinner while you shower. See you later.} The gardevoir said before taking a different hallway than Max.
"Later."
Continuing further, Max reached the stairs to go up. Surprisingly, Mike appeared from a room and needed to go up, just like Max.
"Good evening, mister. How's your body holding up today?" Mike asked as both were climbing the stairs next to each other.
"Still in one piece, despite some probable fissures here and there."
"It has been a few months now since you started training with Mad-Ji. Your bone structure must have hardened a little."
"Honestly, I can't really tell. Either there's no progress, or Mad-Ji just keeps getting stronger and stronger so my body doesn't see any difference."
"The second one is the most plausible."
"Probably, given her character. Speaking of her, she spoke about leaving for two weeks."
"The Spencers already knew about it and she's already gone."
"Oh. And I bet nobody knows where she went off."
"No one, and honestly, I don't think I'll ever wish to know."
"Haha. I guess it's wiser to not ask too many questions around her."
"Chills crawl down my spine every time I pass near her. And the scary part is that she probably knows about it."
"Possibly, but I doubt she would care in the slightest. To her, we're just insects sharing the same space as her. So long as we're not in her way, we're almost non-existent to her."
"Hmm. I doubt it's that bad, but she sure does have many other preoccupations than caring about how we feel about her."
"I guess so," Max said before stopping in front of the girls' room door. "See you at dinner, then."
"Yes. See you there." Mike replied while continuing forward.
Max then lightly knocked on the door before opening it. When in, he saw Aurora, May, and Bonny sitting and lying on their respective beds while Sally was sitting on the ground, her back against her bed.
{You know, if you're about to barge in any way without waiting for us to answer, you don't need to knock.} Aurora pointed out.
"Yeah, sorry. I think my brain still has trouble deciding whether I should knock or not, so this hybrid of a thing happens."
{Just don't knock then, master. We're not teens who need their space, you know.} May stated, who was flipping pages of a magazine she was looking at.
"Really? Well, there goes my interest in you, girls." Max jested, making the girls look at him suspiciously. "It was a joke, calm down."
{I love sex jokes, but those are just weird to me. I don't hate them, just don't find them funny.} Bonny admitted.
"Let's just forget about it, then. So, hot stuff, I'm guessing you were waiting for me to go in the shower."
{Yes, that's why I didn't sit in my bed. I prefer being clean before getting on it.}
"Well, now is the moment to wash our filth away together."
{Coming.} Sally said before standing up to join Max.
{Erh! You have such a way with words.} Aurora said in disdain.
"I know, I'm so poetic," Max replied before leaving the room with Sally.
{...Do you think he knew we were just messing with him?}
{Nah. He's too much of an idiot.} Bonny answered before they shared a light laugh.
A bit later, Sally changed her mind and wanted a bath instead, so Max was now inside the bath water with her, rubbing her head with pokémon shampoo.
"Say, Sally, I was wondering. If there was something you'd wish to have, what would it be?"
{What do I wish to have? Well, I already have you, so I don't really need anything more.}
"I get you, but what if you had me and something else."
{Like what?}
"Anything goes. For humans, for example, it could be clothes someone wants, or a video game. It could also be toys for kids."
{I see. So we're talking about material stuff, right?}
"Exactly."
{Hmm… in that case… the new cinderball ultimate would be nice I guess.}
"And what's that?" Max asked before starting to rinse her.
{I've seen it in a commercial on TV. It's a soccer ball specially designed for my species. It's ultra-resistant and fireproof, even though it can catch on fire for a moment. I could go all out on that thing for a while and it wouldn't break.}
"Oooh! Seems like a niche product."
{It is, but something like that must be really expensive.}
"A high-tech soccer ball specifically designed for cinderace? Pretty sure it is."
{Other than that… I don't really know. A cloning machine that can duplicate you so we all have you for ourselves all the time, maybe.}
"Aww," Max said while hugging her from behind. "And my wish would be to be able to hug you forever like this."
{Don't be silly, master. You will grow tired after a while.}
"Are you sure about that?"
{Yeah-huh.}
"Hehe. Maybe, but you can't blame me for trying to be as cute as you. I had to up my ante a little."
{Don't bother. You can't beat me at this game.} Sally boasted confidently.
"Haha. You're hard to beat, indeed."
{Yep. I'm the best.}
"Hehe. Surely."
A short silence then settled which Max eventually broke.
"You know, I was thinking about it the other day, between Mad-Ji's tear-downs, but you never told us the whole story of your journey between our leave from Togetheart to here."
{Oh, it's true.} Sally said, gently tapping her chin. {It kind of slipped my mind.}
"I kind of never had the chance to ask, well, because of stuff."
{Yeah.}
"So, do you want to share it with me?"
{Sure. After you left, the first night was rather… rough.}
"Figures."
{The very first night, I missed you so much that I cried until I fell asleep.}
"Oh my. That's horrible."
{It was painful, but not the same pain as before. It was almost a… bearable pain. Almost pleasant.}
"Pleasant?"
{I was in deep pain, it's true, but it wasn't the, "you're alone and no one will ever love you because you're dumb," kind of pain, but more like, "someone loves me, but he's so far away now and I miss him so bad," kind of pain. You know.}
"I… think I get it."
{So yeah, I barely slept that night. The others weren't better, but I stopped crying on the fourth day.}
"That's kinda sad."
{I was sad.} Sally replied as if she was stating the obvious.
"Yeah, not what I meant. Go on."
{Through the days, I tried to act normal and deal with the fact that you were gone, which wasn't easy. Everything was making me think of you. The dojo, the cafeteria, the road you were mostly using, the spot where we first met… But I kept on trying. Fushiu helped me with that a little with the training. When I was sparring, it was the only moment I could forget about you for a brief moment. Not 'forget' like I don't want you in my head anymore, but more like—}
"It's okay, I got you," Max said, briefly petting her.
{Oh. Okay. Anyway, days passed and you were always haunting my mind. Before meeting you, I was able to deal with the loneliness and even got used to it. But after your appearance…}
"I made you taste happiness and it was now carved into your skin."
{You could say that, but not really, since carving my skin would have hurt.}
"It's a matter of speech."
{Ah. So yeah, one day, a certain incident cleared things up in my head; I wasn't happy here and I had to leave to find you.}
"Really? Just like that?"
{Each day was more depressing than the last. My life was empty without you and I could never be happy again all alone, especially there.}
"That was bold and rash. What was the incident that made you make a 180?"
{*sigh* I was sitting on a bench, still thinking about how I missed you when Zinni decided to be the jerk she likes to be.}
"Who's Zinni again?"
{The zangoose that was mean to everyone, and to you after you rejected her. Ah! That was a great moment I won't forget. The face she made. Haha!}
"I'm not really into a bitchy attitude. So, what happened to her?"
{Oh, right. Like I said, she came by me and tried to bully me as usual.}
"Oof. You really didn't need that."
{Definitely not. She was saying stuff like how pathetic I am all alone now that you are gone, or it was in your interest to leave me behind.}
"Ouch. If only Scarlet could have been there to kick her in the cunt."
{She's mean to the core, it would have only made her angrier and come another time. Anyway, I tried to ignore her, but when she mentioned how much you guys were losers led by an even bigger loser, she went too far and I was kind of… unable to take it anymore.}
"...Did you…"
{No, I didn't attack her. Not physically though.}
"Not physically?" Max repeated.
{I didn't touch her, but god I became hurtful. I told her everything I was thinking about her and what even everyone else was thinking.}
"Really?"
{Yeah. I said she was a big meanie, that she was the one that nobody loved because of her crappy personality, that she will always be alone and I was wondering why she hasn't been kicked out yet, that everyone was always talking behind her back. I even went as far as calling her fat and ugly.}
"Ouch. You really went all out on her."
{I kind of regret doing that. Seeing her walk away with watery eyes really made me feel guilty and knew I had gone too far.}
"To your defense, she more or less asked for it."
{Still. Being mean like that isn't like me. However, I admit that she has the ability to bring out the worst in people. Anyway, like I said, it was at this moment that I decided that life in Togetheart wasn't for me. I went to Ruby and told her I was about to leave.}
"And Ruby was… the espeon, right?"
{Nice, master! You remembered.} Sally praised.
"It happens sometimes. So why and what did you tell her exactly?"
{I needed her help to tell everyone there that I was leaving, especially the owner of the house I was living in.}
"I see. You needed a translator."
{Exactly.}
"How did they take it?"
{Ruby was… more or less neutral. She was a bit worried about my well-being but went along with my decision without protesting. Fushiu was a bit sad though. He really liked having me here, especially when I was helping a bit with the beginners at the dojo.}
"I see."
{So I grabbed some provisions before taking my leave. To be honest, the first steps were the hardest since I hesitated a lot when at the settlement boundaries. I almost backed out but knew my life was forward to the unknown. I had to get back to you. So, despite the fear, I left Togetheart and began my journey in the same direction you left.}
"How brave of you. So, how was your journey?"
{*sigh* Horrible.}
"Yeah, I figured that much from how much of a mess you were when you got here."
{Yeah. My first mistake was barely after one day of traveling.}
"Which was?"
{That I didn't know where you went and how to find you.}
"That's a big oof."
{I'm so dumb sometimes. I left Togetheart with no idea of what I was doing. I didn't even know how to find food or water sources as I had never done it before.}
"Couldn't you just ask around?"
{That's what I did, but the first few times I asked, I got chased away or simply attacked by mean pokémon and had to run away.}
"Most wild pokémon are very territorial."
{Luckily, I met a nice floatzel lady who helped me find food and even gave me a few tips about finding food and water on my own.}
"How nice of her. At least the food and water were now taken care of."
{More or less.}
"What do you mean?"
{Knowing how to find food and being able to get it are two different things. Most of the time, I couldn't get my paws on what I needed since it was on the territory of pokémon groups.}
"That's terrible. And from the state you were in when getting here, it didn't get any better over time."
{Barely. Other than that, I had to ask my way around to see if someone saw you and where you went.}
"Was it easy?"
{Not really, especially when I came across a traveling greninja that told me that he indeed saw you, but I was going in the wrong direction.}
"At least you got lucky to cross paths with him."
{Indeed, but I had to backtrack almost one week's worth of walking. That was annoying.}
"You don't say."
{So yeah. That's pretty much it. Running away from mean pokémon, getting food where I could, and asking my way while getting lost at times. Oh, I was forced to stay at a pokémon center once.}
"Really?"
{Yeah. When I entered the first city, I didn't know that sleeping anywhere unaccompanied by a trainer meant that I was lost or abandoned. I tried to explain that I was not— …well, I was a bit lost, it's true, but I didn't need help. Of course, since they couldn't understand me, I was held captive there against my will.}
"Harsh. Free shelter really is a pain in the ass."
{Was it sarcasm? No, really, was it? I still can't tell from time to time.}
"It was. I can understand that you didn't want help, but it was better than sleeping outside, don't you agree?"
{I'm a pokémon master. We live and grow outside.}
"...That's true."
{So yeah, the next day, I had to sneak out when they had their back turned. I have since learned to at least wait until I leave a town or city or whatever before resting.}
"You can't blame humans trying to help out a pokémon."
{I'm not blaming them, but I was on a mission, and they were preventing me from doing so.}
"Alright, agent Sally. We now know not to stay between you and your objectives."
{Great. Otherwise, I would have to karate chop my way out.} Sally replied before she and Max shared a light laugh.
"At least it's over and you're here with us now."
{Indeed.}
"One last thing though. How did you know where we exactly were?"
{Oh, right. After a long and painful journey, I arrived here, where a glameow told me that they saw you heading here. But there were fences everywhere, so I tried to climb them. You pretty much know the rest.}
"I see. Well, for someone who has never done something like that, you did great."
{Really?}
"Yes. It might have been hard at times, but you have good instincts."
{It was rough, yes. Most of the time, I barely had any sleep since I was too scared of being attacked while sleeping.}
"A common fear most have." Max jested. "Alright, I think I'm ready to leave."
{Already?}
"We've been here for almost half an hour. My skin is getting quite rippled."
{Aww. Alright. I just don't see the time pass when we're together.}
"Haha. It's not like we never do that. We spend time together quite often actually."
{And it always passes too fast. I just can't get enough of being with my boyfriend. My first one at that.} Sally said before hugging Max.
"Hehe. Happy that you feel that way. I love my time with you too, hot stuff." Max replied, hugging her back.
Not very far from the bathroom and inside the girls' dormitory, Aurora, May and Bonny were resting on the beds, with the last two on Bonny's bed, playing a card game. Aurora, on her own bed, was just lying and relaxing, enjoying the peace of the place. Well, almost at peace as she was slightly annoyed at Scarlet, who was also with them, sitting on her bed, loudly tapping one finger on one forearm.
{Not that I care much, but why do you look so tense and angry?} Aurora asked the gardevoir.
{I'm not tense, angry, or whatever.} Scarlet replied, sounding slightly annoyed herself. {I just can't think of a freaking gift I can offer master.}
The word 'gift' then got Bonny's attention. {A gift for master? What's the occasion?}
Scarlet then looked at Bonny with a dumbfounded expression.
{A gift for Christmas, duh.} May answered.
{Christmas?} Bonny repeated, a bit confused.
{You don't know what Christmas is?} Scarlet asked.
{It's not even a full year since I'm not a 'wild' pokémon, so no, I'm not familiar with every human's customs yet.}
{Christmas is an event where humans assemble and celebrate.} Aurora explained.
{Celebrate what?}
{Just celebrate. It's an occasion where families can reunite to have a great time, and exchange gifts to show we appreciate each other, but that part is mostly for kids, and enjoy an out-of-price feast while drinking.}
{I see.}
{Humans also love to decorate on that occasion.} May continued. {Mostly a tree they cut off to put gifts under it.}
{Why under a tree specifically?}
{Beats me.} May replied, shrugging her shoulders.
{It's a human tradition. They even invented a fictional character called 'Santa Claus' that supposedly gives gifts all around the world in one night, so don't look into it too much.}
{In one night? Geez. Even the most overpowered pokémon couldn't do that unless it's Dialga, who could just stop time to do that.}
{Maybe Dialga is Santa Claus.} May joked.
{Oh yeah, I can totally see that. "Ho ho ho! Enjoy your forty years lifespan removal, motherfucker!"} Scarlet jested.
{Why do legendaries always have to be evil with you?} Aurora inquired.
{Because they are bitches with too much power, and we all know that power corrupts and goes to your head.}
{I dunno. I heard that Mew is a pretty nice pokémon.} May mentioned.
{I question its destructive power, then. Maybe he or she isn't that strong.}
{I like you Scarlet, but if you ever fight Mew, I won't bet on you. Sorry.}
{Yeah. Same here.} Bonny agreed.
{The questionable ability of Mew to beat me isn't the point here. I need an idea of what I can offer master for Christmas.}
{Wait, does that mean I can offer something to master too?} Bonny pondered.
{Sure. Anyone can give anything to anyone.}
{Oh, that's interesting. If I were to offer something, what would it be…}
{If you're thinking of offering your ass… it's not that bad of an idea, but for occasions like this one, humans tend to try to be a bit original, like giving something they didn't expect, as a surprise.}
{I see. A surprise mating session, then? In a place, he wasn't expecting.}
Aurora and May facepalmed while Scarlet sighed loudly, rolling her eyes.
{Geez. I didn't know I was that bad at trying to please the one I love.}
{How about trying to think of a gift that doesn't include your vagina, your mouth, or just yourself in general?} Scarlet questioned.
{Well…}
Bonny then looked up while tapping her chin for a few seconds.
{I… could…} She said, tapping her chin some more. {Damn. It's a lot harder than I thought.}
{See? It's not as easy as it seems.}
{Christmas is still in a couple of days, so we still have plenty of time to think about it.} Aurora mentioned.
{No we don't!} Scarlet argued. {The sooner we have an idea, the sooner we can go get it, choose the perfect wrapping, wrap the said present, and yada yada. It's more complicated than just "picking" something.}
{Once again, Scarlet, you're overreacting a little.} May pointed out.
{Oh. Sorry if I bothered you with my desire to please the man that literally breaks his ass for us all the time.} The gardevoir retorted defensively.
{Christmas isn't in two hours, Scarlet.} Bonny said. {We, at least, have a night to think this through.}
{What if it's too late to get what he chose to get?}
With Bonny sighing, all three of them looked at her with a slightly discouraged expressions.
{...Alright, alright. Point taken. Geez.} Scarlet replied, dropping her back on her bed.
A few seconds later, the door opened and Dusk came in.
{You're done already?} Bonny asked, surprised to see her here that early.
{Not really. I was just… really tired, so I left sooner.} Dusk explained while walking towards her bed, indeed looking exhausted.
{Well, Mad-Ji sure didn't go easy on you, despite the lack of energy you seem to have lately.} May said.
{Mad-Ji goes extra hard on her since she has trouble keeping up, so of course, at some point, she's gonna feel the recoil.} Aurora commented.
{I reckon that that two-week break is gonna do you great.} Scarlet told Dusk after sitting up.
{I… hope so.} Dusk said while slipping inside her sheets. {Now, if you don't mind, I would like you guys to be a bit quieter.}
{Maybe we should just leave then.} Scarlet announced before standing up.
{No, no. It's okay. I don't want to kick you out. Just lower the volume a little, that's all.} Dusk explained, not wanting to sound rude.
{It's okay, Dusk. We can do what we do elsewhere. You'll just rest better if we're not around.} Scarlet replied, not sounding mad at all.
{But—}
{Hush child. Don't worry about anything. Just rest. You need and deserve it.} The gardevoir said before turning back to leave with the girls.
When they were out and despite feeling a bit bad, Dusk sighed and closed her eyes to try to get some sleep.
Outside, the girls decided to head towards the library to brainstorm gift ideas.
{Poor Dusk.} May said, feeling down for her friend. {It must be really hard for her at the moment.}
{She lost a valuable friend, Mad-Ji is treating her like dirt… Well, she does with all of us, but that's beside the point, and we all more or less got a bit distant due to the training taking all of our time. So yeah, she has seen better days.} Aurora pointed out.
{With all of that weight in her mind, it's easier to see where that exhaustion is coming from.} Scarlet said. {A little break can't hurt.}
{Indeed. Also, Master will be more available to spend time with her.} Bonny stated.
{Yeah. So far, those therapy sessions with that 'Phanny' don't seem to help much.} Scarlet complained.
{Those kinds of things take time, Scarlet.} Aurora told her. {She only has a session every two weeks, same with all of us. That kind of pain can't be dealt with in just a few sessions.}
{*sigh* I guess so. It's so hard to see her like that, unable to do something concretely.}
{I mean, in a sense, you could.} Bonny said.
{Theoretically, yes, but it's unethical and uselessly risky. Besides, she's a psychic-type too, so it would be even more complicated.}
{...I see.}
On their way to the library, the girls came across Max and Sally, who were on their way to the bedroom.
{Be silent if you plan to get inside our bedroom, master.} Scarlet advised Max. {Dusk is sleeping and very tired.}
"Noted."
{Thanks. Oh, and Sally. Care to join us in the library? We're heading there right now.}
{Um… Sure.} Sally agreed, a bit confused.
"Oh, gathering to plan my assassination again, I see." Max jested.
{Yep. The last one didn't go well, so we need to revise our strategy a little.} Scarlet replied, playing along.
"Alright. I'm at my most vulnerable when on the throne if it can help."
{We don't want to make it too easy either.}
"Hehe. And here I thought you didn't like challenges and preferred an easy win."
{It's still the case, but a psychic-type needs to work their brain out every now and then, otherwise, we end up like you.}
"Oh. Someone is asking for a little spanking." Max said with a grin and a raised eyebrow.
{Maybe I do, maybe I don't. It's up to you to make me spit the truth.}
"That shouldn't be that hard." Max retorted, both eating each other with their eyes.
{Okay, not wanting to be rude, but we did have something planned here.} Aurora interrupted. {You can do any nasty stuff you want after we're done.}
{Unfortunately, the jealous jackal is right. We're a bit busy at the moment, so we'll have to postpone the 'rough' interrogation for later.} Scarlet said before moving back towards the library with the others with Sally joining them.
"Looking towards it," Max replied, doing the same towards his bedroom as he was hearing Aurora arguing with Scarlet about not being jealous.
Arriving at his destination, Max got in and dropped his dirty clothes inside the laundry basket before getting into his evening clothes, which consisted of workout pants and a hoodie since the inside temperature was a bit cooler than in summer. A bit worried, as usual, Max went towards the girls' bedroom, where he silently opened the door to check if Dusk was okay and sleeping well. Satisfied with the apparent silence, Max was closing the door when he heard a voice in his head.
[Max?]
"Oh. Hi Dusk. You aren't sleeping?" Max asked, opening the door again.
[I'm very tired, but I can't fall asleep. I… don't feel so well.]
Being very concerned, Max sighed softly before entering the bedroom and closing the door behind him. He then went towards Dusk's bed while being careful not to hit his tibia for the 100th time while getting there. More or less succeeding, Max sat on Dusk's bed, where she turned on her back to face him.
"Dark thoughts again?"
{...Kinda.} Dusk admitted, looking at the ceiling.
"Care to share them with me?"
{I don't really want to ruin your mood alongside mine.}
"Don't worry about that. I have the others to help me with that if anything."
{It doesn't really make it better.}
"It was just for you to know that I'll be fine if you 'ruin' my mood after I tried to help you."
{*sigh* That's part of it. Nothing seems to go along well, always a need to compromise or sacrifice something to get something else. Why do we always have to suffer so much just so we can find a slimmer of willpower to survive another day?}
"Hm. Dark thoughts indeed."
{Told you. At moments like this, I'm asking myself: why are we even trying?}
Sighing, Max lay next to Dusk and embraced her in a warm hug.
"You probably know this already, but I very often ask myself the same question. Why keep moving forward if it's mostly pain, right?"
{Kinda, yes.}
"Well… I don't have an immediate answer, but… we can't give up just like that, right?"
{Why not? We could just stop and live here forever. That way, everyone will be safe and nothing like… that… will ever happen again.}
"Well, I…"
As he wanted to add something, Max felt that his nightshirt was getting a bit wet while hearing Dusk sob lightly.
"...It sure will reduce the risk."
{*sob* Jade did nothing wrong. She just… wanted to live a normal life and be left alone. *sob* Minding her own business, trying to see if she could and should open up to others. She was so nice, and yet *sob* She didn't deserve it." Dusk said before losing control and starting to madly cry.
"There, there." Max hushed while pulling her into a stronger hug. "It's okay. You can let it all out. I'm here with you." He reassured her while gently caressing her back.
{It's just… not fair!} She bemoaned between cries. {It shouldn't have happened. *sob* Why her?!}
"I wish I knew. I guess that… she thought that I could bring more to this world and in your life than herself. She… just wanted what was best for us, I think."
{*sob* If only *sob* that cruel and twisted monster didn't exist. *sob* She's the one that should be dead, not Jade!}
"Now, now. As much as I agree with you, you shouldn't say that." Max advertised while gently caressing her head. "Wishing for death brings bad luck. Plus, it doesn't suit you."
{I don't care. I'm so angry and… in pain… I don't know what to do *sob* with all of this.}
"Letting them out is a good start. Otherwise, it will eat you from the inside. Don't keep your feelings bottled up."
{I'm… scared, master…} the braixen said before pushing her head against Max's chest.
"Share with me what you're scared of."
{I'm… scared that something will happen to you. To the others. I'm scared of what we might become. I'm scared that we'll… never be safe again.}
"I see. Those are legitimate fears." Max said, rubbing her back. "And… I won't lie to you. Anything can happen in a lifetime. We might die tomorrow, or in eighty years, someone will try to hurt us for various reasons… However, it's up to us to make the best out of our lives."
{*sob* What do you mean?}
"This world is pretty hostile, but there's order in chaos and good in evil. We have allies and each other. No matter who or what tries to hurt or change us, because we are here for each other. We are a team. If someone falls, we will help them stand. If someone goes crazy, we will smack the sense back into them. And if someone falls in battle, we will carry their legacy with us and avenge them. But we won't get there. You know why?"
{*sob* Why?}
"Because we have each other," Max repeated before kissing her head. "If we stick together, we can defy any odds thrown at us."
{*sniff* It didn't really save Jade.}
"That's why we train relentlessly so that it never happens again. We have to learn from our mistakes and adjust our aim accordingly."
{Our aim?} Dusk said, a bit confused.
"Ah, sorry. Mad-Ji's way of speaking is starting to stain me."
{Oh. Okay.}
For a moment, none spoke while Dusk was progressively calming down.
{*sniff* Thanks, master. I think I'm good now.} The braixen informed him while breaking the hug. {I should be able to sleep now.}
"No problem, sweetheart," Max replied before leaving the bed to hide Dusk better under the covers.
Before leaving, Max sat back on the bed and began caressing her closest shoulder.
"Goodnight, my angel, time to close your eyes,
And save these questions for another day.
I think I know what you've been asking me,
I think you know what I've been trying to say.
I promised I would never leave you,
Then you should always know,
Wherever you may go, no matter where you are,
I will never be far away.
Goodnight, my angel, now it's time to sleep,
And still, so many things I want to say.
Remember all the songs you sang for me,
When we went sailing on an emerald bay.
And like a boat out on the ocean,
I'm rocking you to sleep.
The water's dark and deep, inside this ancient heart,
You'll always be a part of me.
Goodnight, my angel, now it's time to dream,
And dream how wonderful your life will be.
Someday your child may cry, and if you sing this lullaby,
Then in your heart, there will always be a part of me.
Someday we'll all be gone,
But lullabies go on and on,
They never die,
That's how you and I will be." He sang before leaning in to kiss her one more time.
{I didn't know you could sing.}
"I don't. I just made an exception for you."
Dusk then looked at Max gratefully.
{It was a pretty one.}
"It's a lullaby my mother used to sing to me when I was younger. I was very young when she died, but somehow, I still remember it as if she sang it yesterday. I don't know why."
{So you could be a hero later on, maybe. Like now.}
"Hehe. Don't exaggerate. I just do what's humanly possible."
{Isn't that what all heroes do? Doing the best they can to help and save others?}
"...I guess so. But, I don't do much…"
{Heroism isn't in the eyes of the person, master, but in those of who he saves. You may not see it yourself, but I see a hero when I look at you.}
A bit embarrassed, Max briefly looked away before smiling.
"Alright. Time for you to get real rest. See you tomorrow, sweetheart. Good night." The human said before leaving the bed.
{Good night, my hero.} Dusk wished before turning and closing her eyes.
When outside, Max closed the door behind him and laid against it.
"Hmpf. Hero… So much for being one so far." He mumbled.
Not long after, Vicky, the Spencer's sneasel, walked by.
{The hell are you doing there, loser? You look like a creep.} She spat after stopping in front of him.
"Still better than looking like you." Max retorted back.
{The fuck? What are you, five? Not only shouldn't you talk back to me, but you suck at it anyway. Why do I have to share my space with you?} She insulted before resuming her walk.
"Yeah, it wasn't my best one, I admit."
{No shit.}
Then, as she walked away, Max thought of Dusk and the girls. He still had no idea what he could give them for Christmas.
"...Hey, Vicky. Wait." Max called out before catching up to her.
{Leave me the fuck alone, goddammit.}
"I will, right after you tell me what you would like to have if receiving a present."
{Why should I tell you? Last time I remember, we're not friends and I don't owe you shit.}
"I know, but I want to give gifts to the girls, and I don't know what. So I thought that a pokémon could know what a pokémon would want."
{Gifts? For Christmas?}
"Yes."
{Pfft Hahaha! Oh my god! Such a loser, I can't believe it! You are the physical embodiment of failure, it's crazy.}
"Yeah, you are the physical embodiment of an entitled bitch that craves love and affection but can't express it because she sucks with social interaction. So, you're gonna help me or not?"
{How about a big fuck you in the ass wrapped around a Hypno dick?}
"Kinky. Anyway, if you help me, I might drop a little something for you along the way."
{Huh? W-Who said I wanted something from a prick such as yourself?} Vicky replied, oddly looking away all of a sudden.
"Wild guess."
{Shitty guess. I don't want anything from you.}
"Alright. Nothing for you then. I'll probably just give it to someone else anyway."
{Pfft. Fine by me. Do it.}
"I will don't worry."
After that, a short silence settled until Vicky had enough.
{Grha! Look, dude. I don't know what to tell you. They are way too easy to please, so any crap you dump will probably amuse them.}
"Remember, bad mouth me all you want, but be respectful when speaking about them when with me."
{It's the same fucking rule with them about you, so how about you guys man up a little? God, such wusses.}
"Okay, no gift for you," Max concluded before speeding up his pace to distance Vicky.
{Why you…} the sneasel muttered before doing the same so she could catch up to him. {Why are you asking me? You're the one that should know them.}
"I do, but besides me, I don't really know what they like the most."
{Whoa, talk about being a huge narcissistic jerk. How's that ego meter filling up?} She asked haughtily.
"Okay, a bit uncalled for, don't you think?"
{Not at all. 'They like nothing but me because I'm an entitled bitch'.} Vicky mocked with an idiotic tone. {Seriously, do you hear yourself sometimes?}
"Hard when all I hear is you complaining about the simplest of things."
{Ooh. A bit on the defensive side, aren't you? Did I touch a sensitive cord?} The sneasel arrogantly asked with a smug smile.
"No, so feel free to shut the hell up."
{Haha! I totally did! Mister Max doesn't like it when we point out that he isn't the center of the universe. How pathetic.}
"Seriously, Vicky, drop it already before it gets ugly." Max threatened.
{...Or what?} Vicky inquired, a bit taken off-guard by Max's sudden aggressivity.
"Or someone like Scarlet will come and ask you the same, but in a less friendly manner."
Upon hearing that, Vicky stopped with Max still continuing forward.
{...Sure. Just ask the girlfriend to do your fights for you. That's low, even from you.} The sneasel said before taking a different direction.
"Tsk. What a fucking bitch. She has some anger issues that should be taken care of." Max mumbled before heading downstairs.
The next day after waking roughly just one hour later than what he was used to when training with Mad-Ji, Max left his bedroom after dressing. He was about to head downstairs when he spotted Mike walking towards him.
"Oh, Max. Perfect timing." The head butler said upon noticing him.
"Couldn't have been better even if I tried."
"Most certainly, it's always like that," Mike replied, both a bit amused about the coincidental meeting. "Say, have you perhaps seen Miss Dusk somewhere? Was she with you?"
"Um, no. I slept alone and I haven't seen her since I woke up, which is like three minutes ago."
"I see."
"Maybe she's still sleeping."
"I was actually on my way to check on that, but since you're here, could you accompany me? I will be comfortable with getting inside the girls' bedroom with their trainer, you know."
"Ah, I feel you. You never know, you might enter while they are changing, hehe."
"That would be very unfortunate, indeed," Mike replied, getting the joke.
"So, what do you need Dusk for?" Max asked as both went in front of the girls' bedroom door.
"She was supposed to help in the kitchen for making breakfast, but she didn't show up as she was supposed to."
"Hm. Strange. She's usually very reliable."
"I believe that too. She probably just slept in. I would expect that from the others since they went to bed pretty late last night, but I believe that Dusk went to bed early."
"She did. She was very tired. Wait…" Max said, stopping from opening the door as he was about to do so. "The others went to bed late?"
"Yes. I saw them leaving the library around 1 am."
"Shit. I wonder what they are up to."
"Pokémon and their mystery, am I right?"
"That you are." Max approved before gently opening the door.
After doing so, he noticed that six out of seven of his pokémon were still in their respective beds.
"Hm, besides Luna, they all seemed to be in here," Max said softly.
"Alright, that's a relief. I'll leave it to you, so can you tell Miss Dusk to come to the kitchen as soon as possible?"
"Sure thing."
"Wonderful. Thank you for your help." Mike thanked before slightly bowing and leaving.
After entering, Max discreetly closed the door behind him and made his way through the smell of female hormones and morning breath until he reached Dusk's bed.
"Dusk? Are you alright? You're kinda needed in the kitchen." Max softly called out while shaking his fire-type pokémon.
{Hmmmn…} Dusk moaned before moving to her back, where a different face than usual appeared.
"Dusk?"
Not recognizing her, Max pulled her blanket down, which revealed a completely different Dusk; her evolved form, a Delphox.
"Hot damn! Dusk?! Is that you?!" Max exclaimed, a bit louder than expected.
{Geez. Why are you loud so early, master?} Dusk said while holding her ears.
{Yeah, what gives?} Bonny asked, annoyed. {I'm trying to sleep as much as I can, here.}
"I'm… sorry, but… I think it's worth it for everyone to take a look at our beloved Dusk."
Loudly sighing, Scarlet sat up on her bed. {Seriously, it couldn't have waited?}
Upon looking at Dusk, the gardevoir went silent.
{What… is it, master?} Dusk asked, a bit confused.
"Well, just look at yourself."
{What do you…} Dusk said before looking at her hands first.
{Whoa! Did she… really evolve?!} Sally exclaimed enthusiastically.
{Looks like it.} Aurora confirmed, with now everyone sitting on their bed.
{They… do look different.} Dusk admitted after she examined her hands.
She then looked down before touching her own face. A second later, her eyes went wide as if she finally realized it. She bolted out of the bed and went in front of the bedroom mirror so she could have a better look.
{Kyhaa! I'm… a delphox now!} She exclaimed before inspecting her body more thoroughly.
{Congrats!} May said while briefly applauding.
{Well, it seems like our team has reached its best potential now.} Scarlet commented while looking at the dazzled delphox.
{It's all about training now.} Aurora agreed.
{That's so cool, Dusk! You evolved into your final form now!} Sally said, who had left her bed to get beside Dusk, admiring her new appearance.
{That's… certainly unexpected.} Dusk said, lightly pulling the hair from her ears.
"Like your first evolution and Bonny's. It's rarely expected." Max pointed out, sitting on Dusk's bed.
{I know, but… Maybe it wasn't the best for that to happen.} Dusk shared.
{Why wouldn't it be?} May asked.
{Well, having to get used to my new body while doing Mad-Ji's training won't be that easy.}
{She's gone for two weeks and it doesn't take that long to adapt to a new body. Otherwise, most pokémon species would have gone extinct. Give yourself a few days and you should be fine.} Scarlet explained.
{I suppose.} Dusk conceded. {Despite being a thing for thousands and thousands of years, evolution is still something that takes you off-guard.} She added while looking at her rump. {Geez. I did gain a few pounds in the trunk.}
"Ah, the marvel of pokémon evolution. Receiving blessings where it really counts." Max commented, staring at Dusk's rear. "It'll break someone's heart, I'm sure."
Max then felt a little static shock on his neck. When he turned around, he just saw Scarlet looking away nonchalantly.
{Well, looks like I'll finally have some competition in the ass department.} Bonny commented, doing the same as Max.
{Hey! What about mine?! You always said that my butt was hardly matched.} Sally complained.
{...Hm? You were saying?} Bonny nagged Sally playfully while still staring at Dusk.
{Why you…} the cinderace said, starting to get a bit upset.
"Haha! Don't let her get into you, hot stuff. Your bubble butt has no one to envy." Max laughed lightly.
{Of course. Otherwise, you wouldn't grab it so often.}
{Oh ho. A pervert has been exposed.} Scarlet said, a bit amused.
"You say it like I was trying to hide it. I mean, I wouldn't put it in my resume, but I'm not that ashamed when alone with you."
{The opposite would have been weird if you ask me.} Aurora mentioned.
"Can't really help it. Looking at any of you just makes me that hungry. Oh! Speaking of hunger, you are needed in the kitchen, Dusk. They are waiting for you for breakfast."
{Oh no! I completely forgot about that!} Dusk said, panicking a bit.
{Well, you kind of had a good reason this time around.} May reassured her.
{I should go right now.} The delphox said before heading outside.
{I'll accompany you, just in case no one recognizes you.} Scarlet suggested before joining her.
{Thank you.} Dusk said gratefully.
"So? What do you girls want to do today?"
Bonny dropped herself on the bed, going under the blanket. {Sleep, that's what I'm gonna do.}
{Same here.} May said, doing the same as Bonny.
"Really? It's a sunny day today. Those are gonna get rarer for a little while."
{We don't really care at the moment.} Aurora replied, waving a paw dismissively at Max, also under her blanket now. {*yawn* Especially now that we can sleep a little in the morning.}
"But…"
Sally walked past him and briefly put a paw on his left shoulder. {Sorry, master.} She said before heading to her bed.
A few seconds later, everyone was laying on their bed, with Bonny lightly snoring already.
"*sigh* Alright." Max said before standing up with a modest smile, a bit amused. "See you later, then."
Leaving the room quietly, Max headed to the main staircase, where he saw Scarlet floating back up.
"Gonna get back to sleep too?" Max asked with a raised eyebrow.
The gardevoir stopped next to him. {You bet I will. Two whole weeks without that psycho yelling and dropping freezing water on you for sleeping in is like a dream.}
"It wasn't even you, so why bring that up?"
{Sally is a heavy sleeper. Not as bad as Dusk, but she was exhausted that morning due to Mad-Ji being ruthless with Sally for her mistakes. It was unnecessary.}
"Since when did she need a real reason to do stuff like that?"
{Exactly my point. *sigh* Better leave it at that if I want to fall asleep again.} Scarlet said before being on her way again.
"See you later."
Now on the first floor, Max came across Zinia after a few steps. Zinia was 51 years old and the most ancient maid of the mansion, being an employee for twenty years.
"Good morning, mister Max." The head maid greeted him.
"Hey, Zinia. Have you seen Helene by any chance?"
"Probably in the library, doing her Saturday morning reading."
Max put a hand on his forehead. "Ah, I always forget about that. Thanks for the lead."
"No problem."
As soon as the maid finished talking, a fire alarm began to ring from the kitchen. With both briefly looking at each other, Max and Zinia rushed towards the kitchen, which was right next to the dining room. Upon arriving, they saw smoke coming out from the kitchen door as the cooks ran outside. Between the two employees, Dusk also left the kitchen coughing a little, alongside the humans.
"You okay, Dusk?" Max said after getting near the delphox to rub her back.
{*cough* *cough* I think so.}
Suddenly, Scarlet appeared in the dining room, next to Zinia. {Seriously?! I just got under the blanket, damnit!} She said, quite annoyed.
"What's happening?" Max asked Dusk.
"The kitchen is on fire." Said the chief cook.
"Oh no. Do you think you can help?" Max inquired, looking at Scarlet.
{Is everyone out?} Scarlet questioned the chief cook.
"Yes. Everyone is here."
{Alright.}
With her eyes glowing blue, Scarlet opened the door and created a psychic barrier inside the kitchen. She gradually shrinks it and moved inside the kitchen now that all of the smoke was trapped inside the psychic bubble. She quickly spotted the area that was on fire and minimized her barrier again around it, killing the fire within seconds. She then opened a window and released all the compacted smoke outside.
"I'm gonna open a few more windows and some doors," Zinia said before leaving the room and blocking open the door to ventilate the room.
"Phew. A catastrophe was avoided. Nice." Max commented, relieved that it was over.
Scarlet stepped out of the kitchen. {You're welcome.} She said, a bit annoyed still.
"Thanks a lot, love. Once again, your power saved our asses." Max said while the cooks entered the kitchen to evaluate the damage.
{It's only the hundredth time, so no big deal.}
"Something like that. You can go rest for real now."
{I want to know what happened before that, or until my heart slows down a little.}
Max turned towards Dusk. "Do you know what happened?"
{It's… my fault.} Dusk answered, her ears down and shyly playing with her stick.
"How so?"
{I just wanted to speed up the cooking a little since I was late, but… it's like my powers got out of control and set everything on fire.}
{Of course.} Scarlet said, briefly rubbing her face. {Why didn't I expect that? Freshly evolved pokémon, most of the time, can have trouble controlling their new power. It's, even more, the case with psychic-type pokémon. I'm so dumb sometimes.}
"A bit harsh on yourself, don't you think?"
{It's not that. She shouldn't blame herself at all.} Dusk said.
{But it could have been easily avoided if I wasn't off my game.}
"Chill, Scarlet. We don't always need a culprit all the time, you know. Sometimes, shit just happens and there's nothing we can do about it most of the time."
{Well, sorry if I'm not as carefree as you.} Scarlet retorted, sounding grumpy.
"Whoa. No need to make this personal, and for me. I did nothing wrong."
{You… Gha! I'm not dealing with that shit today.} The gardevoir said before floating away.
"And there she goes again, taking the easy way out," Max said, hoping Scarlet heard him.
{*sigh* Sorry. It's my fault.} Dusk apologized with her ears down.
Even evolved, Dusk was still disliking arguments and fights. Maybe a bit more now that she feels like she has a bit of power to avoid them.
"Remember what I said thirty seconds ago? We don't always need a culprit, Dusk." Max said in an annoyed tone, which displeased the delphox a bit.
She, however, did her best to not show it since she knew that it was only because of the heat of the moment. She did wish though that he could work on that and not become a bit aggressive when stuff like that happens. Before any of them could speak again, Helene showed up.
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