A/N: Alright Decided to end the whole Volume here next chapter Will be a time skip.
Also don't call it illegal they are married so it's legal.
....In that world.
....
"How are you, Ash?" Erika said politely, her voice gentle and her smile warm as she finally addressed him directly, her gaze lingering on him for a moment.
"Uh, I am alright," Ash replied, a bit flustered by her attention and still slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number of people he was with.
He then added hopefully, "Just hoping I won't have to carry anything."
Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, his eyes flicking towards the department store with a mixture of dread and resignation.
"Um, is that so?" Erika replied, her serene expression not faltering in the slightest as she seemed to understand his unspoken concerns.
"You don't need to worry about that," Erika said reassuringly, her smile widening slightly as she reached for a Poké Ball clipped to her belt.
Erika replied and opened a Pokeball with a gentle flick of her wrist.
And a disk shaped rotom came out, its form glowing with a soft, ethereal light as it materialized in the air beside her.
"Meet Carriage Rotom."
Erika introduced the Rotom, its digital eyes blinking cheerfully.
"It can carry anything because of a spatial system used in Pokeball."
Erika explained, gesturing towards the Rotom with a graceful hand.
The Rotom whirred softly, as if eager to demonstrate its capabilities.
"Ah, you had that? Why didn't you say it before, Erika?" Serena exclaimed, her eyes wide with envy as she took in the sight of the unique Rotom.
"I wanted one as well!" Misty echoed, her usual impatience momentarily forgotten in her desire for the helpful Pokémon.
"It's a limited edition!" May added, her voice filled with awe and a touch of longing.
The girls individually echoed their desire for such a convenient Pokémon.
Aside from Cynthia and Ash.
Cynthia didn't care about it.
Cynthia remained silent, her gaze drifting towards the department store with a distinct lack of enthusiasm.
Because she isn't really interested in shopping.
Her mind was more focused on her upcoming Pokémon League challenge than the latest fashion trends.
And about Ash
Ash actually cared Very much.
A wide grin spread across Ash's face, his earlier apprehension vanishing in an instant.
He finally doesn't need to carry anything.
'Yes!' Ash thought triumphantly. 'This shopping trip might not be so bad after all!'
"Well then, what's the wait? Let's go!" Dawn cheered, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she skipped ahead, eager to explore the vast department store.
And the group, with varying degrees of enthusiasm, entered The most famous department store of kanto.
....
Ash looked Tired.
because The first place he was dragged to was a clothes store.
Even before they had started shopping, the sheer energy of the girls was already draining him.
And now they were making him wear different clothes, parading him around like some sort of fashion mannequin.
'Seriously I am not a doll to dress up'.
He inwardly complained, adjusting the ridiculously patterned shirt Serena had just forced him into.
"Um black looks good on him I guess".
Cynthia rubbed her chin thoughtfully, her gaze analytical as she studied Ash's reflection in the mirror.
"No, Red definitely suits Him".
Misty also made her suggestions, pulling out a bright red jacket from a nearby rack.
"Hey ash My dear wear this".
Serena, with a mischievous glint in her eyes, handed him a cloth that looked like something like a delinquent from a decade ago would wear – all ripped edges and questionable slogans.
"No, definitely not that one".
Ash refused point-blank, his eyes widening in horror at the sight of the garment.
"Why? It would look fun-Wonderful," she nearly gave her inner thoughts away, a sly smile playing on her lips.
Ash regretted thinking it would not be so bad.
He should have known better.
It's definitely bad.
....
Moving onto the next battlefield....
....
"Ummm can someone tell me why I am in the female underwear section".
Ash said with a blank expression, his voice devoid of any emotion as he stood amidst racks of colorful undergarments.
The next stop seems to be the lingerie section.
He mentally braced himself for whatever fashion horrors awaited him.
"What other than helping us decide what to buy?"
Misty bluntly replied, looking at him as if he had asked the most obvious question in the world, her head tilted in confusion.
"You girls have each other, don't you?"
Ash tried to negotiate, hoping to extricate himself from this awkward situation.
"Your opinion is important," Serena replied seriously, holding up a lacy piece of fabric for his inspection.
Negotiation failed.
Ash sighed inwardly, accepting his fate.
"Come with Me".
May, with her usual boundless energy, grabbed his hand and dragged him to the Changing place.
Then he saw the curtains open.
His eyes widened, and he was utterly speechless.
What he saw was a blushing Future champion of Sinnoh In Black underwear.
Cynthia stood there, looking slightly embarrassed but undeniably stunning in the lacy black undergarment.
Thank goodness to Arceus's grace that she looks to be 16 despite being Just 10.
Ash's mind struggled to reconcile the mature aura she exuded with her stated age, a fact he often forgot.
And this definitely affected him as well.
A strange warmth spread through him, a feeling he couldn't quite decipher.
"It doesn't look good right? I should have tried something Normal".
Cynthia seems to think his lack of response was due to Dislike.
Her voice held a hint of uncertainty as she looked at his frozen expression.
"That's not true. You look good,"
Ash blankly said, his voice a little strained, giving her a thumbs up almost mechanically.
"Is that so? Thank goodness," she sighed in relief, a blush still adorning her cheeks as she seemed genuinely pleased by his simple affirmation.
And her buns also jiggled along as she shifted slightly.
Making ash Blankly wonder.
'Those seem soft'.
The thought popped into his head unbidden, making his own face flush slightly.
.....
"I am so Darn Tired".
Ash sighed, the exhaustion from the relentless shopping spree finally catching up to him as they found a relatively quiet corner on the rooftop.
Cynthia came to his side and gave him a can of lemonade, her movements graceful and concerned.
They were on the rooftop of the department store, the city sprawling beneath them under the bright afternoon sun.
"Are you Fine Ash?"
She said with Concern evident in her voice, her blue eyes studying his weary expression.
"I am fine, just a bit tired, thanks," Ash thanked her and accepted the drink, popping the tab with a small hiss of escaping fizz.
He took a long, refreshing gulp, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat.
Three of his Pokemon echoed in unison, their cries carrying a clear demand for a treat as well.
"Gib!"
"Char! Char!"
"Alright alright, I'll bring for you three as well," Cynthia replied gently, a soft smile on her face as she understood their needs.
She got back up to fetch some moomoo milk from the vending machine located nearby, her long blonde hair swaying slightly with her movement.
"Just where were you three idiots? You traitors! I had to endure that hell alone".
Ash complained with a betrayed expression as he looked down at Gible and the two Charmander, who were now looking up at him expectantly.
The three mons Replied, making excuses in their own voices, a series of chirps, growls, and happy cries that Ash somehow understood.
"Gibble! Gib!" (We were just making sure they didn't buy anything too embarrassing for you!)
"Char! Char!" (Yeah, we were on a secret mission!)
"Just forgive them will you?" Cynthia came back and handed the chilled cartons of Moomoo Milk to the three Pokemon, her smile warm and forgiving.
"Sigh, it's not like I am truly angry, just felt… abandoned," Ash sighed dramatically, taking another swig of his lemonade.
"Is that so?" Cynthia thought, her brow furrowing slightly in contemplation as she sat back down beside him.
Cynthia thought and thought of an Idea to make him feel better.
"Ash, how about you lay on my Lap?"
Cynthia said softly, her voice gentle and inviting, a hint of a blush creeping onto her cheeks.
"If you are fine with it,"
She added quickly, not wanting to make him uncomfortable.
Ash was a bit surprised by the offer, his eyes widening slightly, but he quickly accepted her proposal, a small smile forming on his lips.
He layed on her lap, his head resting comfortably on the softness of her thighs.
"It's not bad. Rather, I like it,"
Ash said with a subtle blush, a feeling of unexpected comfort washing over him.
"I am glad then".
Cynthia was happy to hear this, a warm feeling blossoming in her chest as she gently stroked his hair.
"Ash, You know I will be gone for a long while right?"
Cynthia said softly, breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them.
Ash nodded, his gaze drifting up to meet hers, a hint of sadness in his eyes, but then questioned.
"I know, but it's not like we can't meet after all with the Abra teleportations,"
He said, trying to sound optimistic, reminding her of the ease of travel in this era.
Cynthia looked a bit sad, a shadow passing over her serene features, and replied.
"Unfortunately, I need to prepare for the Sinnoh League and win the championship To get access to the Document and relics safe guarded by the league so I won't be free,"
She explained, her voice carrying a note of determination.
Ash understood the weight of her mission.
"That's crazy, becoming a champion just for that," Ash said, a hint of awe in his voice, "But I wish for your success. You'll definitely win!"
Cynthia laughed a bit, a light, melodious sound that made Ash's heart skip a beat, and replied.
"It's not just that. I just want Sinnoh to be a bit better,"
Her gaze softened, a hint of a deeper purpose in her words.
Ash got up and gently made her face him, his hands resting lightly on her shoulders.
"Your reasons don't matter. What matters is what you want, just that,"
He continued, his gaze earnest and sincere, his thumbs gently rubbing her shoulders.
"After all, even I don't know why I want to be Pokemon master, but I just need to become one. That's the only thing that matters,"
Ash said, a flicker of his unwavering determination in his eyes.
Cynthia looked thoughtful, her blue eyes searching his, and sighed softly.
"You really are something, Ash,"
Cynthia said, a genuine smile gracing her lips, a warmth spreading through her at his simple yet profound words.
Ash was embarrassed by her words, his cheeks flushing slightly, and tried to think of something to say, but his lips...
It was stolen.
Cynthia leaned in swiftly, her lips meeting his in a soft, unexpected kiss.
Ash couldn't think of anything.
His mind went completely blank, surprised by the suddenness of her action.
Blank....
His lips instinctively moved along with hers, a natural response to her gentle touch.
Her lips tried to claim more of his, the kiss deepening slightly, a silent expression of her feelings.
It seems like she didn't want to leave him, a sense of longing in her tender embrace.
But finally, he was released, pulling back slowly, her eyes still locked with his.
A hint of disappointment lingered in his mind for some reason, a strange sense of longing echoing.
Cynthia stood, a newfound resolve in her eyes.
And moved towards the railing, the setting sun casting a golden glow on her, complimenting her already breathtaking beauty.
"But Ash, that's what I love about You,"
Cynthia smiled, a radiant, heartfelt smile that made Ash's heart pound in his chest, and continued.
"Take care and Wait for me. Then we can continue what is left to finish,"
With that enigmatic promise hanging in the air, she turned and left the rooftop, her figure disappearing down the stairs.
Ash now stood alone with his Pokemons, who eyed him smugly, their expressions suggesting they had witnessed something significant.
"Wait... Did I just got My lips stolen...?"
Ash mumbled to himself, his hand instinctively touching his lips, a bewildered yet not entirely displeased expression on his face.
His mind replayed the moment, the soft pressure of her lips, the fleeting warmth that had spread through him.
'Stolen? Or… shared?' He pondered, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks.
Gible and the two Charmander exchanged knowing glances, their eyes wide and slightly smug as they looked up at their trainer.
"Gibble! Gib!" (Looks like someone's finally growing up!)
"Char! Char!" (Took you long enough, Boss!)
"Char! Char!" (I agree with my brother)
Ash just shook his head, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips despite his confusion.
He took another swig of his lemonade, the sweetness doing little to calm the unexpected flutter in his chest.
'Continue what is left to finish…' Her words echoed in his mind, leaving him with a sense of anticipation and a touch of longing.
He sighed softly, the rooftop suddenly feeling a bit empty without her presence.
With a final glance at the setting sun, Ash decided to rejoin the others, the image of Cynthia's smile still lingering in his thoughts.
He found the rest of the group in the home goods section, their attention divided between colorful kitchenware and oddly shaped pillows.
Serena was enthusiastically examining a set of pastel-colored teacups, while Misty and May were bickering good-naturedly over the merits of a self-stirring mug.
Dawn and Green were surprisingly engrossed in a display of various Pokémon-themed aprons.
Lina, ever practical, was looking at a selection of high-quality bandages and first-aid supplies.
Erika, however, was standing slightly apart, her gaze sweeping over the items with a serene detachment, until her eyes landed on Ash.
"Welcome back, Ash," Erika said politely, a soft smile gracing her lips as he approached.
"Did you have a nice rest?" she inquired gently, her tone carrying a hint of genuine interest.
"Uh, yeah, it was… nice," Ash replied, feeling a slight blush return to his cheeks as he remembered his rooftop encounter.
"Ahh Cynthia-san left early is something wrong," she inquired tilting her head.
"She was just Tired I guess" Ash replied a hint of blush on his cheeks.
He glanced around, noticing that Carriage Rotom was indeed diligently floating behind them, already carrying a small assortment of bags.
'Well, at least I won't have to carry anything,' he thought with a sigh of relief.
"I was just looking at these," Erika said, picking up a beautifully crafted ceramic teapot adorned with delicate Grass-type Pokémon designs.
"It reminded me of my gym," she explained, her eyes sparkling with a hint of fondness.
"It's really pretty," Ash agreed, genuinely admiring the intricate artwork on the teapot.
"Perhaps we could have tea together sometime," Erika suggested softly, her gaze meeting his, a subtle invitation in her eyes.
Ash blinked, a little surprised by her directness, but a smile quickly spread across his face.
"Yeah, I'd like that," he replied, feeling a warmth spread through him at her unexpected gesture.
Serena, overhearing their conversation, turned around with a playful smirk.
"Ooh, a date? How romantic!" she teased, winking at Ash.
Erika's cheeks flushed slightly, but she maintained her serene smile.
"It would simply be a friendly gathering," she clarified gently, though her eyes held a hint of amusement.
Misty and May, abandoning their self-stirring mug debate, joined in on the teasing.
"Friendly gathering or not, make sure you save some tea for the rest of us, Erika!" Misty exclaimed with a playful grin.
"Yeah, we wouldn't want to miss out on any of the fun!" May added, nudging Ash playfully.
Ash just chuckled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with the group despite the unusual circumstances of their relationships.
He looked at Erika, her gentle smile and serene presence creating a calming contrast to the more boisterous personalities of the other girls.
He realized that despite the initial awkwardness of their formal arrangement, he genuinely enjoyed spending time with her.
"Don't worry, there will be plenty of tea for everyone," Erika assured them with a graceful nod, her eyes twinkling.
"Perhaps we could even have a small tea party at the gym sometime," she suggested, looking at Ash with a hopeful expression.
"That sounds great!" Dawn chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious. "We could all bring our favorite snacks!"
"And I can make some of my famous sandwiches!" May added, her culinary skills always a welcome addition to any gathering.
The conversation flowed easily, a sense of lightheartedness and genuine connection filling the air as the group continued their shopping trip, the earlier exhaustion forgotten in the midst of their shared laughter and playful banter.
Ash found himself smiling, the initial dread of the shopping trip replaced by a feeling of unexpected enjoyment, surrounded by the diverse and vibrant personalities of his… wives.
He still had a lot to figure out about his unusual circumstances, but in this moment, amidst the colorful aisles of the Celadon Department Store, surrounded by the warmth and laughter of his companions, he felt a sense of contentment, a quiet understanding that maybe, just maybe, this chaotic and unpredictable life wasn't so bad after all.
The setting sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink as the group finally emerged from the department store, Carriage Rotom floating diligently behind them, laden with bags of various shapes and sizes.
Despite the long hours of shopping, the girls were still buzzing with energy, chattering excitedly about their purchases.
Ash, surprisingly, didn't feel as tired as he had anticipated, the rooftop respite and the pleasant company having rejuvenated him.
He walked alongside Erika, their shoulders occasionally brushing, a comfortable silence settling between them, punctuated by the lively conversations of the others.
He glanced at her serene profile, the soft glow of the evening light illuminating her gentle features, and a warmth spread through him, a feeling that went beyond simple politeness or obligation.
'Maybe,' he thought to himself with a small, hopeful smile, 'this whole "husband" thing isn't so bad after all.'