pokemon Fighting Dreamers

"Now all you have to do is to say yes, and then it'll be just the three of us!"

"Just the three of us...? Dawn, May... I need to explain you something first."

"What's the matter, Ash?" May asked slightly annoyed, after all they've been through she expected Ash to simply accept the offer and hug them both.

"First things first, are you two really okay with sharing me?" Ash asked.

"Yes, we are!" May exclaimed.

"Y-Yes, I'll admit I was really against it at first, this could get us in some real trouble, but I'm willing to take the risk for you." Dawn answered. "I-Is there a problem?"

"Pfft, of course there isn't." May said "Ash is just a little shocked, after all, two of his best friends are offering themselves to become his two girlfriends, what else could he possibly want?"

"I told you, I have to explain you something." Ash continued. "These girls here... They already are my girlfriends."

"...What did you just say?" Dawn asked.

"What you heard, as weird as that sounds, I have seven girlfriends already." Ash continued and the seven girls in question got closer to him, while Wicke, Danika and the Pokemon stayed behind, all of them rather curious to see what would happen, meanwhile Skyla and Cynthia were still behind Dawn and May, processing all that was going on.

"Ash has... seven girlfriends?" Cynthia asked.

"So he's been making a harem..." Skyla trailed off. "Oh geez, I knew Ash was popular with girls, but to think he'd be okay with something like this... T-Then that means I could..."

"You're kidding, right?" May asked with a short laugh, but then she noticed the serious expression that Ash had on his face. "A-Ash, this isn't funny."

"May, I don't think he's joking." Dawn said.

"He definitely isn't." Bea said. "Ash is our boyfriend, we're all sharing him."

"What?! Why?! W-W-When did this happen?!" May shouted.

"In the course of the last weeks." Ash said. "At first it was only Bea, but it all kept escalating and-"

"Ash! You can't have seven girlfriends!" May interrupted him.

"Uh, you just said you wanted to share him with another girl." Peonia said. "Weird moment to draw the line."

"That's not the same! Between two and seven there's too much difference!" May answered. "Besides, we're Ash's dearest friends, he barely knows any of you!"

"I know them enough, May." Ash answered. "Of course, I know you two as well, I kinda suspected it, but I'm also surprised that you both like me. Let alone that you two wanted to share me as well."

"Heh, even with all this, you're still somewhat dense." Mallow said.

"Well, all of you better know that we have no intention of joining such a mess!" May shouted again. "Right, Dawn?"

"May's right, I... I don't think I could find the strength to do something like that." She replied.

"Well, Ash Ketchum, it's seems like you have a choice to make." May looked at him again. "Who is more important to you? Dawn and I or all these girls?"

"M-May! How do you expect me to answer something like that?" Ash asked. "You're all important to me."

"Important, huh?" May asked. "So you want us to be your girlfriends too? You love Dawn and me that way?"

"Yes, I do!" Ash answered. "May, if you two had just told me...with all that we've been through I think the answer is obvious, of course I love you both, I'd be more than happy to be the man who takes care of you."

"And we'd love to be the women who make you happy." Dawn trailed off. "We both spent over a year traveling with you, seeing how you always take risks for the sake of others, how could we not fall in love? ...We just never found the moment to be sincere about our feelings."

"You've taught me so many things and... t-that dance we had together was the most special moment of my life, Ash. I felt like we were a married couple there!" May exclaimed.

"It did feel something like that." Ash smiled. "So, what do you say?"

"So the three of us are willing to do this..." May said and then looked at the other girls. "But... Ash, if you really love Dawn and me, we need you to prove it."

"And how can I do that?" Ash asked taking their hands.

"If you really love us..." May looked at their hands and pulled hers away. "If you reallly love us, I want you to dump all these bitches this instant!" She shouted and everyone but Ash gasped.

"She's so dead." Acerola whispered.

"M-M-May!" Dawn shouted.

"May...please, take that back." Ash said calmly.

"That's what they are! And you're no better for making all this! I can't believe it! I thought that after all the shit you went through you deserved two girlfriends, but seven?! Or nine if you're delirious enough to think we'll join?! Now you're just being a playboy!"

"Don't you call him that!" Gloria shouted. "If you were really his friend you'd respect his decision!"

"It's because I'm his friend that I'm telling him all this!" May continued as she tried to hold her tears. "A-Ash, I know I'm sounding harsh, but I just want the best for you, these girls don't know you! Only Dawn and I will know how to truly look after you, so if you're taking both of us... You'll have to leave the rest! So, what is it going to be?"

"May..." Ash simply stared at her and sighed. "I... I think the surprise of my relationship was a bit too much for you, you have to sit down and think this through."

"Think this through?!" May shouted. "Are you calling me crazy, Ash Ketchum?!"

"O-Of course not!" Ash answered. "But you're not understanding. Dawn, can you help me here?"

"Help you?!" Dawn suddenly shouted looking at the floor to then stare at him. "...Do you have any idea of how much I hesitated to share you just with May? Ash, it took me days to accept her idea! Because I was the only one considering all the risks, risks that you obviously didn't even think about! A man with two wives is already a recipe for disaster, all that I could think about was each and every problem we would face because of that relationship, just think about it! All of you!" She pointed at the girls. "S-So many people will try to separate you, your families will neglect you because of this, Ash will always be overworked and he won't even find the time to be with each of you! All of you will be always be worrying about which one of you Ash loves the most, not to mention all the legal problems..."

"Dawn, just let me explain-"

"No! You Let me finish!" She suddenly pushed Ash a few steps back. "Ash... I was willing to accept that mountain of problems... each and every single one of those challenges, I was willing to face them, because I knew May and you would be there with me, but now you're asking me to share you with a bunch of people I don't know... Ash, we'd be nine girls, I don't care how many gods you've fought, you're still just one person, how much time will you have for each of us per day? 15 minutes? I can't live a life like that and neither can you... I-I wish you happiness, I truly do, but this won't work, you still have time to back down, I'm not even asking you to accept May and me to replace them, but you have to stop this whole thing for your own well being and if you really care about the feelings of these girls."

"Dawn, they are the reason why I decided to start this relationship in the first place." Ash answered. "All their feelings, I couldn't force myself to just toss them away, just like yours and May's, you all matter to me."

"If they mattered that much you would have just rejected them, they would have gotten over it!" May exclaimed. "But just like Dawn said, now they'll have to live with all the problems of this relationship."

"And you will also have to live with those problems, Ash." Dawn said to then look at the girlfriends. "Please, be honest, are all of you really happy?"

"Yes, we are." Nessa firmly answered. "Ash is really caring and he finds time for all of us."

"He said he was going to give his all to make it work and he's been doing exactly that." Peonia added.

"The way he protect us and take care of us is the best feeling ever." Acerola said.

"And we won't let him overwork himself, we'll always help him with everything we can." Bea said.

"And even though we're the latest additions, I'm sure it wont be any different with us." Mallow said.

"We truly believe that Ash will make the best for us." Lana ended.

"And I'm not going to dump any of them." Ash said. "That's the answer I can give you."

"Argh! I'm done! We're leaving!" May shouted. "S-So I hope you keep in mind that you've lost two of your best friends, Ash Ketchum! Maybe when you understand you can't maintain this you'll realize what you just missed!"

"May, wait!" Ash tried to take her by the wrist, but May slapped his hand off, she then raised her hand and was about to slap Ash in the face, but she refrained herself from doing so and simply sighed to then leave the scene. Ash was about to go after her just like he did during the contest, but he felt like it would be the best to give her some space this time. He then looked at Dawn who was standing still while looking at him.

"Ash..." Dawn sighed. "I'm sorry, I swear I love you like I've never loved anyone before, but... I can't be part of this." Dawn stared at him for what felt like an eternity for both of them, before finally starting to walk away in the same direction as May.

"Uh... I'm leaving now, I must take account of the damages caused by the Ultra Beasts." Wicke broke the silence and parted away. Skyla and Cynthia then looked at each other and left the scene together.

"I'm leaving too, all of you take care." Danika said to them and walked to Ash. "And you... just keep doing your best." She smiled at him and planted a quick kiss on his cheek.

"Heh, I thought you were too embarassed." Ash smiled back.

"Maybe, but there's no way I'm letting you get the first shot in that." Danika replied and waved at the girls before taking her leave, now only Ash, his girlfriends and their Pokemon were left next to the still burning school.

"Ash, you okay?" Bea asked him.

"I'm ok." He answered. "Of course I knew that not everyone would be okay with this, but to think May and Dawn would..."

"Hey, don't listen to what they said." Nessa hugged him from behind. "We know you love us all equally, if they can't see it, that's their problem."

"...Thanks... I think we should all head back to the mansion for now. It's been a long day." Ash replied.

"Right, I guess we'll be staying with you for now." Mallow said. "I'll gladly be the chef of our team."

"Mallow's a complete gourmet, you're all gonna love it." Lana said. "But we have to get back to our houses and pack some things first."

"Of course, I'll go pick you two up in a moment, so get yourselves ready." Ash said and the duo nodded to then run onward their houses.

"Oh, right! Zeraora, I forgot you were still here." Bea looked at him.

"Yeah, I think I forgot it myself with all that's happening, it'll take me some time to adjust to this world." He answered. "Well, you seem to have some things to discuss with your mate so I suppose I'll leave you, I'll do as you said, I'll try to find people to help, but don't worry, I'll be close."

"Be safe then." Bea nodded and Zeraora saluted her before leaving with a lightning. Ash then guided the rest of his girlfriends back to their mansion so they could take a rest after all that happened.

Around an hour later, at Lana's house.

"Hi, Ash! Hi, Pikachu!" The twins greeted them together after he knocked the opened front door.

"Harper, Sarah!" Ash squatted to talk with the two, while they caught Pikachu in a double hug and the mouse couldn't find the will to zap out of it, so he just accepted it and Ash just laughed at the scene. "Heh, it's been a while, how are you two?"

"We're great!" Harper said.

"We were waiting for you actually." Sarah added.

"Lana seemed reeeeeeeeally happy when she got back home." They said together.

"Is that so?" Ash asked with a smile.

"Could you two stop bothering my boyfriend?" Lana asked approaching them with a bag on her back from which the head of her Eevee, Sandy, was popping out.

"Vee! Vee!" Sandy waved at Ash.

"Oh, come on, we just were... Wait, BOYFRIEND?!" The twins asked.

"Yes. Boyfriend." Lana reached out to Ash and planted a quick kiss on his lips to then snuck out her tongue to Harper and Sarah.

"LANA AND ASH ARE MARRIED!" The two shouted together with a squeal while they squeezed Pikachu who finally snapped and shocked the two with a mild Thunderbolt, but they were so excited that it wasn't even enough to knock them out neither make them let go off him.

"...I'll explain them everything later." Lana said to Ash.

"Ash, you're part of our family now!" Harper said.

"That means you're like our big brother now!" Sarah added.

"You have to play with us, teach us about Pokemon and do all sort of fun things with us!" They said together.

"Sure, I'd love to do all those things, but first I want to spent some time with Lana." Ash answered.

"But whyyyyyyyyyy?" The two complained finally looseing their hug to let Pikachu out.

"Now, easy there." Their mother walked in after hearing everything. "You have to remember that Ash is Lana's boyfriend foremost, he may be family now, but he has to prioritize her... as for you, Ash, I'm already aware of your 'situation'." She said with a wink. "But since Lana was planning something similar either way, I'm not gonna stop you, I'm just asking you to be fair with my daughter."

"O-Of course, Miss." Ash nodded rather nervous.

"Oh please, call me Suiren, dear." She said.

"...Your... name... is Suiren?" Lana asked.

"You didn't know your Mother's name?" Ash asked.

"Well, I guess it's not the kind of topic we'd bring up often." Lana answered.

"Heh, yeah, everyone just calls me Lana's Mom and I kinda got used to it." She answered. "And well, nobody actually asks, but that's enough about me. I'm sure this relationship will help you both grow, so go out and have fun!"

"Thanks, Mom!" Lana nodded while dragging Ash away.

"T-Thanks, Miss Suiren!" Ash said while trying to not fall.

"Pika pi!" The mouse complained and chased after them since his trainer left him behind.

A few moments later, at Aina's Kitchen.

"How you doing, Mallow?" Lana asked her once they entered with Ash panting behind her after she dragged him in a run without breaks.

"I'm doing great..." Mallow whispered with her backpack and looked at her father who simply nodded and she ran to give Ash a hug.

"Ash... what happened between us today... It wasn't a dream, right?" After that question Ash just smiled and gave Mallow a deep kiss.

"Does that feel like a dream?" Ash asked.

"Y-Yes... more or less." Mallow nodded and hugged him again, the hug was then joined by Lana and the three shared a laugh.

"Are you sure you want to come with us?" Ash asked Mallow. "I mean, wouldn't the restaurant be too busy for your father?"

"Pfft, don't worry about that, lads." He talked to them. "I've been hiring some extra people these last months, they're all talented and have learned most of Mallow's best recipes, we can survive without her a week or two. Isn't that right, Elio?"

"Sure, leave it to me." The teen answered coming from under a table that he was cleaning.

"Elio!" Ash exclaimed.

"Ash! dude, hasn't it been a while?" He asked offering a handshake, but Ash parted from the girls and gave him a hug instead.

"You're working here in the restaurant?" Ash asked with a short laugh. "Last time we met you somehow froze a bowl of rice in the microwave."

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, things have changed since we last met." He answered laughing as well. "I'm head chef here, after the family, of course."

"Wow, I knew Elio was from Pallet Town, but I didn't know you two were friends." Mallow said.

"Well, you never asked." Ash said. "Elio and his twin Selene are good childhood friends of mine."

"Besides, it's been quite some time since we were together." Elio added. "I mean, look at you, Mr. Champion."

"Hey, you're doing quite good as well." Ash replied. "Kahili, right?"

"Yeah, I really got lucky with her, she even wanted me to be some kind of house husband..." Elio blushed embarrassed. "Eh, whatever, I thought it'd be better if I also helped with the income, you know? She works really hard with her golfing and I want to believe I'm doing my part as well."

"You definitely are." Mallow answered. "Just like Dad said, I'm leaving the kitchen in good hands."

"Thanks for the trust, really." Elio said.

"Sure thing, well, I'll be staying with you and the girls as long as you're in Alola." Mallow said to Ash. "It'll be some sorta vacation for me, but I'll be your personal chef as well."

"I'll be looking forward to that, you know how much I love your cooking." Ash said.

"Hey, one more thing before you leave." Elio talked to Ash again. "You already knew I'm with Kahili, Selene was the one who told you, right?"

"Ah, yeah, we met yesterday and she..."

"She kissed you and confessed." Elio interrupted Ash.

"Yeah, I suppose she told you." Ash nodded.

"She just told me she met with you, but by the look on her face it was easy to guess the rest, I mean, I already knew she was crazy for you, man." Elio sighed. "And I want to say it now, Ash, I'm totally fine with you two dating, you'd be great for Selene, but you and I know she can get a little... possesive, even agressive, especially if things don't go the way she wants, so be careful with that if you end up with her."

"Hmm, yeah, after all she kissed me in front of... uh... nevermind." Ash laughed. "I guess I have to talk with her. Glad to see you again though."

"Back at you." Elio answered.

"Well, I hope you all do great." Mallow's father talked again to then walk to the Kitchen of the restaurant. "And Ash, you better be fair with Mallow!"

"Does he knows?" Ash whispered to Mallow.

"He thinks it's just Lana, Lillie and me." Mallow answered. "Let's leave it like that for the moment."

"If you say so." Ash answered.

"Am I missing something here?" Elio asked.

"Let's get going." Lana dragged Mallow and Ash out of the place, while Pikachu finally made it to the restaurant only to see Ash and his girlfriends were already leaving, so he simply jumped to Ash's head as they made their way to the mansion.

"So, this is how you two imagined us to be?" Ash asked them, the trio was walking on the beach, with both girls holding one of his hands.

"Well, it was more or less like this." Lana said.

"Of course that included Lillie too." Mallow added.

"But you only have two hands." Lana replied to then giggle. "Maybe you can carry her on your back or something."

"Well, you're the lightest of the three girls..." Ash answered. "So maybe I should carry you instead!" He exclaimed to suddenly take Lana in a bridal carry.

"Hmp, well I'm definitely not complaining about this." Lana smiled while Sandy hopped to Ash's shoulder and waved at Pikachu, who was still on top of Ash's head with a tired look.

"I still feel guilty about hiding this from Lillie." Mallow said. "You know, even though Lana and I agreed that it was the best for her .. I really hope she accepts being your girlfriend as well, even with the rest of your girls in the picture."

"Don't worry, once she returns to Alola we'll get a moment alone with her and we'll ask her together." Ash said.

"Ash, please be honest here." Lana gave him a serious look. "Do you really want Lillie as your girlfriend or do you want to do it just because we're insisting?"

"R-Right, uh..." Mallow stuttered. "Ash, please don't think we're trying to force you, it's just-"

"It's just that Lillie is a close friend, I get it." Ash interrupted. "To be honest, it maybe a mixture of the two things Lana just said, you two are my girlfriends now, so of course your opinion is important, but... I also think Lillie is really beautiful and charming, during the time I was in Alola I watched her grow so much... but well, those are things that I think will be the best to save for her, right?"

"The three of us definitely made the right choice with you." While still being carried, Lana grabbed Ash's face and kissed his lips.

"We surely did!" Mallow exclaimed and hugged Ash to then give him a passionate kiss, while Lana was stuck in the middle of that exchange still on Ash's arms.

"Mallow! Your boobs are suffocating me!" She shouted.

Somewhere in Kanto.

"Hey, you okay?" Millis asked opening the door of Domino's room.

"Sure, I'm great." Domino answered while sitting on the floor next to her bed staring at Danika's totem.

"What's that thing?" Millis asked sitting next to her.

"None of your business." Domino said hiding the totem in one of her pockets.

"Hey, shouldn't you have gone to the medical area?"

"Why do you care?" Domino glared at her.

"I'm just saying, those hits looked really hard." Millis said.

"So you saw... Just how long were you standing by back in Alola?" Domino asked.

"Eh, I teleported myself around the time you shot Ash and I watched the whole thing from the hole in the roof." Millis answered. "I'll admit it was impressive how he withstood the electric hit without much issue."

"Wait, so you just stood there while he could have-!"

"Hey, you said yourself that he wouldn't harm you." Millis interrupted her. "You said you didn't need help."

"...Yes, I did." Domino sighed. "Listen... thank you for saving me."

"Heh, you're welcome." She answered giving Domino a soft punch on her shoulder.

"Ouch!" She shouted. "Okay, maybe I do need to go to the medical area." Domino stood up with difficulty and left the room, while Millis followed her and started walking by her side.

"Hmmp, you want to see me crumbling?" Domino asked.

"It's not like I'm worried about you, but I'd like to make sure you get there in one piece." Millis smiled. "You know, misery loves company."

"Well, I definitely am in misery now." Domino smiled as well. "Back to a Grunt."

"Yeah, everyone in the building is just talking about that, many are wondering who's gonna be the new second-in-command."

"Maybe Proton or Archer... not like I should care much about that now." Domino said. "I... A part of me still doesn't believe Giovanni just said all that to me."

"Hey, remember he was the one who sent me to take you back, so he cares about you to some extent." Millis said.

"Maybe, but... even for this line of work, we were actually closer, but things have changed lately, I don't understand why Giovanni is acting like that with me."

"...Can I ask something?" Millis said.

"You already are." Domino said.

"...Why do you care so much about what Giovanni thinks of you?" Millis asked. "Like, everyone here seems to serve him out of fear or for money, but there's something different about you, even with all that happened you decided to stay, how can you be loyal to him even with all this? What does he have on you?"

"He doesn't have anything on me." Domino answered. "Before l met him, l was living on the streets, like a stray Meowth, I was scared, desperate and all alone, one day I stole some supplies from Team Rocket, they caught me after a few days, but Giovanni was impressed, he gave me an offer to join them, of course I accepted, not like I had much else to do... he took me in, made me what l am, and I eventually worked my way up... I owed Giovanni everything, I did all I could to follow his orders and be of value to him, I really thought he at least saw me as someone competent... but all of a sudden, I'm here, I don't know what happened, or who was the person who told him to ignore me, but... The distance between us, the insignificance of my existence... is all becoming clear as day."

"So, you went from tramp, to second-in-command, to grunt, talk about a rollercoaster." Domino said. "So you don't have family?"

"None that I know about." Domino answered. "I escaped from an orphanage when I was around seven and I survived on my own... what about you?"

"Oh, so now you're interested in me?" Millis asked with a smug smile.

"Well, I told you part of my story, whatever happened to honor among thieves..." Domino sighed. "Besides, you look around my age, how did you even end up here?"

"Well..." Millis looked away for a moment and then sighed as well. "I'm from Kalos, my father has been a thief since I have memory, I was completely aware of the situation, he told me after all, but I stayed with Mom for most of my childhooh, he didn't want to put me in danger, then eventually I got more involved, I started checking the goods with him, I helped him repair his machines and before I knew it he had draged me into the criminal life, we stole my first bank when I was just 13. You see this fancy thing?" Millis pointed at her necklace. "It was part of the booty and I've been keeping it with me since then."

"Wow." That was all that Domino could say.

"Heh, yes, but... One day we decided to track Diancie, a Mythical Pokemon that could produce valuable diamonds, but it all ended up in a big failure and I dunno, he simply said he was tired of it all, that we shouldn't do it anymore... I said fine, I thought it would be okay to have a change of pace, we opened a chocolate shop in Shalour City and... I just couldn't take it for much."

"What do you mean? " Domino asked. "You had a chance to finally have a normal life, but decided to return to crime?"

"Eh, living a normal life is overrated anyway." Millis said. "He may have been able to move on, but I knew I wasn't going to get some happily ever after, even if I wanted to... I've done horrible things, smiling at the clients like nothing happened didn't exactly made me feel better about it... and well, some old contacts brought me and here I am... of course I never told him how I felt, but what you said about going back to a normal life, is that really what you want? You think you can back to society and be a normal person? Even after all you did?"

"No..." Domino trailed off. "Of course I can't."

Back with Ash.

"Girls, we're back!" He called them as he entered the mansion along Mallow and Lana and the five girlfriends that were waiting for them there received them in the front door, while Pikachu sighed and left the scene to go with the rest of the Pokemon that were all playing and/or training outside.

"Uh... h-hello again." Mallow stuttered suddenly feeling intimidated by the group. "I... uh... m-maybe we can do this another day!" Mallow was about to run away, but Lana stopped her and dragged her back to the rest of the girls.

"Hello everyone, we're Ash's newest girlfriends, I think we should do another presentation to get a better hold of everything." Lana said. "My name is Lana and this is..." She stared at her friend who gulped and tried to introduce herself.

"M-My name is Mallow!" She exclaimed.

"Acerola here!"

"Call me Gloria."

"I'm Peonia."

"Name's Nessa."

"And I'm Bea."

"Why so nervous, Mallow?" Nessa asked noticing she was still trembling. "You didn't seem much affected back then."

"G-Guess I was still running on adrenaline while all the invasion happened." Mallow giggled embarrassed. "I think it just hit me all together, one of my best friends became my boyfriend and I'm sharing him with another one of my best friends and other five girls, while we're waiting for our other best friend to return to Alola so we can ask her to join this as well, I'm just processing the whole thing, yes?"

"Sure, we're kinda still getting used to it honestly." Peonia said. "So if you feel like you need to talk, don't be ashamed of it, we're all here to help each other."

"Okay then, what are the rules?" Lana asked.

"Well, it's not exactly like there's an obligatory system, but we have things we must all know, even if they're obvious in this context." Bea said. "First off, no hoarding, Ash is our boyfriend, so we all have to be fair with each other, that means respecting if Ash is having some time alone with any of us."

"Another important thing is to not let Ash overwork himself." Nessa added. "Just like he promised to do his best for all of us, we promised to do whatever we can to ease the burden on him."

"And of course, just like you said, we have to try and get along." Peonia said. "We'd been doing that surprisingly well."

"And I'm sure it'll stay that way!" Acerola smiled. "You girls are all so great, I'm sure we'll feel as if we were sisters soon enough."

"That's a bit scary when you say it that way." Mallow replied.

"So, do we all sleep together with Ash then?" Lana asked.

"At least for the moment." Gloria answered. "But things are getting crowded so we'll have to see how we all fit in the bed."

Once again, Ash and the girls all slept together in the same bed, with Ash in the middle and the girls around him, making space for their new acquaintances so that all of them would fit. The next morning, Acerola was the first girl to wake up, quicky noticing Ash wasn't there, since she slept on top of him again. "Wait, how did he even...nevermind." She made her way out of bed without waking up anyone else and left the room, walking a bit until she found Ash sitting in the stairs that led to the first floor, he had Domino's tulip on his hand and was simply staring at it in silence.

Acerola made a devilish smile and silently walked to him, Ash noticed her, but he decided to play along and kept staring at the tulip, while he was expecting a scare, Acerola simply sat next to him and rested her head on his shoulder, Ash then placed a hand on her side and softly pulled her closer to him.

"Why did you get up so early?" She asked.

"Sorry, I needed to think, so many things happened today that I didn't sleep much honestly." He answered. "The invasion, Stinger, Dawn and May...Domino...Acerola, is everything okay? Like, did you sleep well?"

"I slept fine." She answered. "And even if I didn't, I'm ghost trainer, you don't know a nightmare 'til you've seen into my dreams...but what about you?"

"I'm... still a little worried with all that happened honestly." Ash replied looking at the tulip again. "I really feel bad for not intervening sooner... I could have lost Gloria and you."

"Come on, don't say such a thing." Acerola interrupted hugging his arm. "You said it yourself, you would never let anyone hurt us."

"I know, but that doesn't mean I'm innocent in all this, Domino attacked you because she saw you wearing that hat and then she tried to..." Ash stopped mid-sentence to take Acerola in a full hug, letting her rest her head on his chest. "... She was going to kill you... just because you're one of my girlfriends."

"No, cut that off, I'm not letting you blame yourself because of this." She answered to then give him a quick peck on his lips. "And you better don't think for a second that what happened will pull us away from you, if anything, now is when you need us the most, right, Gloria?"

"Correct." She answered appearing behind Ash.

"AHH!" Ash shouted and was about to fall downstairs, but the two girls held him by his arms and prevented that.

"There's the scare." Acerola giggled.

"Sorry about that." Gloria scratched the back of her head. "I've been hearing for a minute or so, hope you don't mind."

"D-Don't worry, it was nothing." Ash answered and the three sat on the same step of the stairs. "And what about you, Gloria? All ok?"

"I'm just fine, a future Miss Ketchum can't be scared of danger, can she?" Gloria laughed. "I'm a little bummed out about losing your hat though."

"Maybe we could ask my Mom to make you another one." Ash suggested.

"You think she'd do that for me?" Gloria asked. "I honestly think she'll be angry at me for losing it."

"No way! You saw how happy she was with all of you being my girlfriends." Ash answered. "And she was okay with me giving you the hat as a gift, I'm sure she'd be more than happy to make a replacement."

"That sounds great!" Gloria exclaimed.

"Don't be so loud." Mallow yawned behind them and slowly went to hug Ash. "What are you all doing?" She asked resting her head on Ash's shoulder and letting out a small snore.

"We're just having a night talk." Ash answered brushing Mallow's long hair.

"Hey, I dont know if it's the time to say this, but I love how your hair looks when it's down." Gloria said.

"My, thank you Victoria, you're so nice." Mallow yamned again.

"It's Gloria." She laughed a short moment, but then her face froze in fear. "But you just made me think that Victor might have seen what was happening here on TV, boy, he'll be mad that I didn't call him."

"Anyway, the sunrise is almost here." Acerola said as she started to walk downstaris. "I'll start preparing the breakfast for everyone."

"Huh! Wait, wait, wait!" Mallow exclaimed fully waking up and ran until she was in front of Acerola. "I'll be the one making breakfast!"

"Could you guys be quiet?" Lana said appearing next to them.

"Fine, I think we should get out of the stairs before we end up waking everyone up." Ash suggested.

"Maybe you can both cook." Gloria said looking at Mallow and Acerola. "I mean, we're eight people now, so four hands would be better than two."

"Make that six, I can cook as well." Ash stood up and raised a hand.

"No, you won't!" Mallow and Acerola shouted together and Ash sat down on the stairs again. "We're your girlfriends so it is our duty to make your food! You stay out of the kitchen."

"Hmmp, at least we agree on that." Acerola stared at Mallow.

"Yeah, but I don't know about the rest." Mallow stared as well. "After all, the kitchen of the mansion isn't big enough for the two of us."

"Hey, it actually is." Ash told them. "For real, it's a huge kitchen."

"Ah great, Mallow is in Chef Battle Mode." Lana yawned and sat on Ash's lap so their faces would meet.

"Uh, good morning, Lana." Ash patted her head and a still drowsy Lana planted a kiss on the bottom of his neck. "Uh..."

"What are you even going to cook?" Acerola asked Mallow.

"Why do you care?" Mallow asked.

"I won't let you intoxicate my family!" Acerola shouted.

"The what?! It's my family too now!" Mallow shouted. "Besides, I was pretty much born to cook, I lived my whole life in a restaurant! Where did you learn to cook?! A Police Station?!"

"Yes! You got a problem with that?!" Acerola answered.

"I don't think this is gonna end well." Gloria said.

"Ash, I want to kiss." Lana said.

"Uh, s-sure, Lana, just let me-" Ash tried to move her so he could stop Mallow and Acerola's arguing, but Lana took a hold of his cheeks.

"That wasn't a question." Lana glared at him, Ash then gulped and nodded so Lana began to kiss him on his lips and Ash simply hugged her and returned the kisses.

"Listen, if we're going to cook together then you'll have to follow my orders." Acerola pointed at her.

"You won't tell me how to cook! You lolicon bait!" Mallow shouted.

"I'm still growing!" Acerola shouted.

"Then you better grow up faster before someone arrests Ash because of you!" Mallow continued. "I know Ash's favorite recipes, you got nothing on me!"

"Oh, I don't?" Acerola smiled. "It's a bit curious that you say that since I got a few special recipes for Ash from Miss Ketchum herself."

"W-What?!" Mallow shouted.

"Of course, that was part of our deal after all. We may all be his girlfriends, but I'm still Miss Ketchum's protegee." Acerola said. "I have just the thing to get to Ash's heart... through his stomach."

"Argh, I knew she owns a restaurant so I was going to ask her for some recipes back in hospital, but Ash came in and all those things happened." Mallow sighed. "Fine, let's do this, we're cooking together, you may have those recipes, but you have to recognize I've spent more time with Ash than you so I know him better."

"Yeah, that much I'll accept." Acerola said.

"Then you'll be sharing those recipes from Miss Ketchum with me and I'll tell you how to cook Ash's favorites foods from his stay in Alola, deal?"

"We got a deal, sister wife." Acerola offered a handshake and Mallow accepted it.

"It still sounds a little weird when you say it like that." Mallow replied.

"Huh, that ended up surpringily well." Gloria said.

"Thank goodness." Ash said while recovering some air after Lana fell asleep again.

"You're glad they get along, aren't you?" Gloria asked as the two cooks walked downstairs to go to the Kitchen.

"I'm glad about that and that Lana fell asleep again." Ash said taking a deep breath. "Because this girl here is a diver and I feel like she could kiss me for minutes without break."

"Is that a challenge?" Lana asked waking up again.

Meanwhile with Cynthia and Skyla.

The duo spent the night sharing a hotel room, altough Cynthia had to pay extra so the employees would shut their mouths about her presece in Alola, the two spent the night without talking much with the other, simply thinking about what happened with the Ultra beasts, the Tapus and of course, Ash and his seven girlfriends.

Then the morning came and the two went to have breakfast together, with some last minute clothes that they bought from a close store. Skyla was wearing a loose skyblue shirt that read "I get High all the time" in white letters, along blue shorts and yellow sandals, still with her little "propeller" tying her hair, while Cynthia had most of her hair tied in a short ponytail, wearing her usual black top acompannied by long blue jeans and black sandals, along sunglasses and a big black hat, trying to mimick Diantha when she didn't want to get much attention.

"Well, I guess this is the part when we start talking about what happened." Skyla said.

"Yeah, but... where should we even begin?" Cynthia asked.

"As I told you, I knew Ash was popular with the ladies, but this seems like so much." Skyla held the little propeller on her hair and made it spin, something that she does to concentrate, while she rewinded the whole scene in her mind. "I mean, seven girlfriends! And he is still willing to have more than that! What the hell!"

"Yeah, I also knew Dawn liked him, though I was a little surprised that she agreed to share him with May to begin with." Cynthia said. "But I guess meeting the rest of the girs was much of a breaking point."

"Yeah, I feel sorry for both of them." Skyla replied. "And Ash is probably feeling down, but... I really want to talk with him, especially now that I know what he's doing."

"Skyla, please don't tell me you're considering joining that." Cynthia pointed at her.

"I told you, Ash wanted May and Dawn to join so that means he still has space for more girls."

"That may be true, but Dawn had the point there, that whole thing is a recipe for disaster." Cynthia said.

"I heard what she said, but I also heard what Ash's girlfriends said and what Ash himself said, he really seems to be doing his best and they all look happy..." Skyla raised her arms to crack her fingers and stood up from her chair. "I'm going with him, I don't lose anything asking, what about you?"

"Me?" Cynthia asked.

"E-Excuse my boldness Miss Cynthia, but I think you also like Ash, that's why you seem so conflicted with all this."

"Hmm... You're not exactly wrong, but I think I'll stay thinking here for a while." She answered.

"Well, wish me luck." Skyla smiled before leaving the scene.

"...Good luck." Cynthia whispered.

Back with Ash.

After a surprisingly calm breakfast with some skilled recipes from both chefs, Bea called for another girlfriend meeting, although she didn't specify the reason, and just like the last time they did so, Ash was asked to stay outside, he was training with his Pokemon in the battlefield that was in the back of the mansion, his Rotom Phone suddenly flew to him and Ash took it on his hand.

"You have a videocall from: Korrina." The phone informed.

"Really? I haven't talked with her in a while." Ash said answering the call.

"HELLO THERE!" Flannery suddenly shouted

"...Flannery!" Ash exclaimed once he reacted.

"How did you like my little surprise?" Flannery smiled.

"Wait, wait, wait, you're with Korrina?" Ash asked.

"You bet, and she's driving me crazy." Korrina answered showing herself behind Flannery. "We met some weeks ago, she's been staying at my home and we've been getting along quite well."

"We've been training with each other, we've shared Gym Leader tips, all alright." Flannery said. "She even taught me how to use skates."

"She fell on top of my way too may times while we trained though." Korrina added.

"Nice to know you two get along." Ash smiled. "But I really didn't expect Flannery to be in Kalos."

"Well, I came for my aunties' wedding." Flannery answered.

"Your aunties?" Ash asked.

"Yeah, my aunt Malva married with her old friend Drasna, who's also a Kalos Elite Four."

"Malva is your aunt? ...Wait, Malva got married?!" Ash asked surprised. "Like, I don't mean it in a bad way, but I'm honestly surprised anyone would want to date her after what happened, let alone marry her, no offense, Flannery, really."

"It's fine, I honestly haven't fully forgiven her myself." Flannery said. "But Aunt Drasna has always been there to support her, so if I anyone can get aunt Malva to fully redeem herself it's her."

"Uh, well, share my congratulations to those two." Ash said.

"Sure thing, now back to us. My little adventures in Galar and Sinnoh motivated me to stay here in Kalos after the wedding and I met Korrina after aunt Drasna gave her a Gym ismpection." Flannery explained. "Korrina even beat her!"

"Wait, you defeated an Elite Four?!" Ash exclaimed. "Korrina, that's amazing!"

"Hehehe, thank you, but I'm still training for our rematch." Korrina laughed while she blushed by the compliments. "By the way, we saw the invasion and that fight in TV, are you okay?"

"I'm just fine, like everyone says, I'm used to that kind of stuff." Ash answered. "But Korrina, I was just thinking about calling you, I'd like to ask you a favor."

"Sure! Whatever you need!" Korrina exclaimed excited.

"You remember when the gang and I told you about our encounter with Diancie, right?"

"Of course, did something happen?"

"I met with the girl that was trying to get her, Millis Steel, she seems to be working for Team Rocket now."

"What? But I thought they had gave up on that, like, their chocolate shop is here in Shalour, I go there from time to time." Korrina said. "But... now that you mention it, I haven't seen Millis there in a while."

"I was wondering if you could go and check the place out, maybe that could help us know what happened with Millis." Ash continued.

"Got it, it's just a few streets away, I'll go right away." Korrina said. "You coming Flannery?"

"I'm right behind you." She nodded.

"Thank you, but please be careful, I don't know what could happen there." Ash told them.

"Oh please, you don't think we can handle it?" Flannery asked with a laugh.

"We'll be fine, Ash, you can count on us." Korrina gave him a thumbs up. "Oh, before I forget, your Key Stone is almost ready! I'm sure you're gonna love it!"

"Really? That's great, you finally decided what it's going to be?" Ash asked.

"Of course, and it'll be a surprise, so please, come to Kalos soon."

"Sure, sure, I owe you a visit." Ash laughed. "See you later."

"Bye then, say hi to Bea for me." Flannery said.

"I'll inform you of what I learn when I get to the chocolate shop." Korrina said.

"Thanks, and again, please be careful." Ash insisted and they both nodded before cutting the call.

"Let's get going!" Korrina exclaimed rolling away.

"We're... two girls... on a mission!" Flannery sang while playing an air guitar as she followed Korrina.

.

"Wow, I'd never expect those two to be friends." Ash said to himself with a smile after the call ended, but his Rotom Phone ringed again.

"You have a video call from: Roxie." The phone said.

"Well, bring it in." Ash said answering the call.

"How's my favorite Ketchum?" Roxie asked him.

"Good to see you, Roxie." Ash answered with a chuckle. "How are Marnie and Victor?

"Mar-Mar and Vic are just fine, maybe a little worried with that little show you made on TV, but Vic talked with Gloria some moments ago and it seems like it's all alright."

"Good to know." Ash answered. "And what about you?"

"What? You want me to admit I was worried about you?" Roxie replied. "Let's just say I'm just glad you didn't die."

"Well, thanks, I guess.

"I'm just saying it would have been a shame if you turned off before I got a chance to answer your proposal."

"So, did you think about it?" Ash asked.

"I did!" Roxie smiled. "And I think I already have an answer for you."

"And that is?"

"It's a surprise." Roxie stuck out her tongue. "I'll tell you when we get there."

"Wait, you're coming to Alola?"

"Correct, after that disaster in Alola the other regions are organizing an special concert over there to raise funds and kinda cheer up everyone, they invited me of course, some other singers and idols will be going, the whole thing will be next week, I'll be taking Mar-Mar and Vic with me, along two other friends of mine from Unova that are dying to meet you."

"And who are those two?" Ash asked.

"Another surprise!" Roxie laughed again. "Whatever Ketchum, I'll give you my answer, but with one little condition, I'll be the last show of the concert, I got some nice things prepared, but I want you to get in the stage and sing with me during the final song."

"Uh, Roxie-"

"Nope! Don't even try to dance around it, you're gonna sing with me Ketchum!" She shouted. "Y-You said it yourself that back in the mine, that you'd consider it if I invited you to a concert, and you did that dance with May so that kind of crowds are not a problem for you."

"Of course I remember all that, but I don't think I'm "extreme" enough for your public."

"Oh, please Ketchum, they're gonna love you, you're adorable." Roxie giggled. "And if anyone complains I'll kick them out myself, I already packed my spiked boots."

"Roxie..."

"Promise it, Ketchum." Roxie insisted as she blushed. "Please, it... it would mean the world to me, Ash."

"...Fine, I promise. We'll sing together." Ash sighed as he gave in. "I can't say no that look."

"Ha! You're so weak!" Roxie laughed out loud. "Thank you, Ketchum, thank you, thank you! And don't forget to bring all your girls to the concert."

"So you can meet them, right?" Ash asked.

"Nah, more people means more tickets and more money. Don't think I'm giving you a discount just because I like you!" She exclaimed before cutting the call.