The reason Ash had Anabel send over Gardevoir, Metagross, Garchomp, Lucario, and Sceptile was simple—he wanted everyone to work together and help build their new home.
"I understand, Ash. But actually, you don't need to go all the way to Professor Oak's lab anymore," Anabel said with a slightly embarrassed smile over the video call. "I thought it through carefully… Since you might often need Pokémon transferred directly to you in the future, I used your name to make a request to the Pokémon Rangers' headquarters and also coordinated with Professor Oak. Now, we've set up a transfer machine right in our house. I just haven't had the chance to tell you yet—I hope you won't be upset that I made this decision without asking."
She lowered her eyes, clearly nervous.
In truth, Ash had no idea that his honorary Ranger status granted him this privilege. But Anabel did—and she knew Ash would agree anyway.
Even Delia had approved it. As long as it benefited her son, she was always in favor.
Ash's eyes lit up, full of surprise and gratitude. He hadn't even considered this possibility himself.
Anabel really had thought of everything.
"How could I possibly be upset? I didn't even know about this privilege. You're amazing, Anabel," Ash said, grinning from ear to ear.
Hearing his words of praise, Anabel's face flushed pink, though relief washed over her heart.
"There's something else…" she hesitated, then added softly, "Mom—I mean, Aunt Delia and I talked about it. We were thinking of remodeling the house, making it much bigger. I wanted to ask your opinion."
Her slip of the tongue made her cheeks burn even redder.
Delia and Anabel's relationship had grown closer and closer. Delia had even encouraged her to call her "Mom." When Ash wasn't around, Anabel usually did so… though she hadn't planned on revealing it to Ash yet.
Ash noticed, but didn't expose her. He simply waved his hand with a smile.
"You don't need to ask me about that. You and Mom decide whatever feels right. Do whatever makes you comfortable."
After all, Ash had more than enough Poke Coins now—far more than he could spend.
Delia appeared on the screen next, chatting warmly. "Ash, Anabel's been working so hard at home lately. You'd better not be stirring up more girls outside, do you hear me? Pikachu, keep an eye on him for me!"
"Pika pika~!" Pikachu raised its paw with a cheeky grin.
Ash laughed awkwardly, scratching his head. He certainly wasn't about to tell them about Serena…
Well, technically Serena wasn't new—she had been with him since their childhood summer camp days. He had already "stirred her up" back then.
And he was confident that the other girls would accept Serena. Especially Delia—once she saw Serena's kind and gentle nature, she'd definitely approve.
The real question was Serena herself.
Ash shook his head to clear his thoughts, then released the five Pokémon from their Poké Balls.
"It's been so long, everyone! How have you all been at home?" Ash greeted warmly.
"Pika pika~!" Pikachu chimed in happily.
The reunion was short-lived, though, as they quickly began carrying supplies to a secluded spot.
With a single thought, Ash transported them all into his system space.
Inside, Clemont's invention—the robot—had already laid the entire foundation for the new residence. Everything was prepared. They just needed the materials.
"Meloo~!"
"Tsutarrr!"
Ash began introducing the five newcomers to the Pokémon already living in his space.
For some reason, though, Sceptile's gaze lingered on Servine more than once.
Our proud little Servine blinked, tilted her head, then deliberately turned away with tiny determined steps, refusing to meet Sceptile's eyes again.
Ash clapped his hands together. "Alright everyone, listen up! We're going to build a home here. I'll need everyone's help to get it done!"
…
Meanwhile, outside the system space, Ash slipped back to the real world while the Pokémon worked.
The scene shifted to Serena and Bonnie.
As the more detail-oriented girls, they were in charge of gathering all sorts of daily necessities.
"Serena, hehe~ Do you like Ash?" Bonnie suddenly asked with a mischievous grin.
"Eh?! Wh-what? N-no, of course not…" Serena's face turned crimson, caught completely off guard by the question.
Flustered and embarrassed, she shook her head quickly.
"Don't deny it! Bonnie can see it clear as day. Anyone with eyes can! And Bonnie's sure Ash likes you too," Bonnie teased, bouncing happily as she spoke.
"R-really? It's that obvious…?" Serena's hands flew to her cheeks, feeling how hot they were. Summoning her courage, she asked, "Bonnie… do you really think Ash likes me? But then why hasn't he said anything? Is it because we haven't spent enough time together yet? Or… is there some other reason?"
Of course there was another reason.
Ash couldn't exactly tell Serena about the "other girls" just yet, not until he knew where he stood with her.
Bonnie tilted her head, pretending to think deeply. "Well… Ash is such an amazing guy, way better than my brother. I bet a lot of people like him. On TV, they always say that outstanding people—whether boys or girls—are never short of admirers."
She really was trying hard to promote Clemont, but in doing so, she took on a responsibility far too big for an eight-year-old.
Bonnie: Life is too hard for me…
Serena froze at her words. Right—Bonnie had a point. Ash had traveled to so many regions already. Surely he had companions before.
And if those companions included girls his age… wouldn't some of them have liked him too?
For the first time, Serena truly realized what she was up against.
But rather than discouraging her, it only made her resolve stronger.
Yes, she liked Ash. She admired him deeply. And no matter how many girls might like him, Serena was confident—she wouldn't lose to anyone!
…
By the time shopping was done, it was already noon. After lunch and a rest at the Pokémon Center to heal their partners, Ash noticed something peculiar.
Sceptile's eyes… why did they keep drifting toward Servine?
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T/N:
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