Chapter 5: Retain Yourself!

After a night of bathing and nosebleeds, Ash woke to the sun's rising and the Koro squeaking to him. The Koro nuzzled his face to his calm. Then he turned his head around and his face met something squishy. His face felt buried in something warm. It was soft but not a pillow, and the smell of warm milk had him become drowsy. His eyes began to close as someone reached to and pulled his head in. It's at that moment, Ash woke to find a bare breast, now going into high alert. Looking up, he found Mexiah in bed with him, and without a shred of cloth on her. "Good morning, little boy," she smiled before kissing his forehead.

"Me- Mexiah?" he gulped. That's when he felt moisture around his legs. No shred of cloth, not even underwear. Her lower half was drenched. Many things swirled in Ash's head.

"It's been the first time I've slept in bed with a male. Hopefully, you don't mind." Ash's mind continued to race with his heart pounding at the same rapid speed.

'I'm in bed!? With a naked woman!? And she's so wet, I don't know what to do!?' Ash was in trouble as Mexiah continued her kissing barrage to his face. It seemed she wanted to treat Ash like a baby with her breast smothering his face. He's pinned and escape was impossible. 'What did I do!? What can I do!?' That's when the door was kicked open.

"SISTER!" shouted Chiaia. When she peered inside, she found Mexiah and her bare body on top of Ash's who had a pair of shorts on. Chiaia's shocked face to the scene told everyone that it was the last thing she needed to see. "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING!?" Mexiah wiped her lips with her wrist.

"Good morning, Chiaia," she smiled. "Did you have a good night of sleep-"

"THIS ISN'T ABOUT ME, MEXIAH! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS!? BANGING SOMEONE THIS YOUNG!?"

"Oh, don't be so quick to judge… After what happened last night, I wanted to make sure he was sound asleep. Besides, I couldn't leave his precious face alone and wanted to give him a little spousal love for the future."

"YEAH, RIGHT! He's a big boy! He doesn't need anyone to sleep with him, let alone to practically rape! Even Ash would tell you that he doesn't need it!" Turning to Ash, Chiaia saw his petrified face, too shocked to respond to Chiaia's call. In a flash, Chiaia grabbed a robe and forced it on Mexiah. "LET'S MOVE! OUT!"

"Are you sure you need to-"

"OUT!" As they reached the door, Mexiah gave one more look to Ash who seemed to be coming around and winked, even blew a kiss.

"I'll see you later, my little Koro." Mexiah's tease forced Chiaia to literally kick Mexiah out of the room before slamming the door, leaving Ash and the Koro alone. Ash tried to breathe after that.

"Too much," he muttered. "That was too much." Koro comforted Ash by swiping the sweat off Ash's face with its tail. After getting dressed, Ash and Koro reached Kenshi who had Pikachu in Lashara's dorm.

("Morning, Ash!") he greeted. Wahanly noticed Ash's disheveled look.

"Wow, Chiaia mentioned something about her sister's antics but man!" she gawked.

"First time I've seen a woman naked, let alone in bed, even less with me in it!" he complained.

"Yeah, I'm not surprised about Mexiah trying to get to you since the hypnotism failed to work," Wahanly sighed.

"But what should we expect from someone astute to men like Dagmeyr?" shrugged Lashara. "Although, curiosity begets us, but it sounds like this was the first time you've seen a woman naked. Who knows, when we become an item, more than skin will be shown." Ash billowed a frustrated sigh.

"Empress… too soon," Wahanly groaned. Lashara blinked to Wahanly's resonse.

"Too soon for what?" she replied. Kenshi stood up, thinking it's time to move on.

"Anyway, I'm gonna take Ash to do our jobs," Kenshi excused.

"Hey, swing by the workshop at some point!" requested Wahanly. As the boys left the dorm, Pikachu seemed to recall something.

("Didn't you see Misty naked back on Cinnabar Island?") he brought up. ("Back when Togepi knocked down that wall in the open air bath?") Pikachu's rambling made Ash recall a moment a little differently.

"You mean when I had to deal with Blaine?" he guessed.

("That's right!") To Ash, Pikachu's take was incorrect.

"Pikachu, Brock and I didn't see anything below Misty's shoulders. When Togepi knocked the wall down, Brock and I turned our heads around." The Koro and Kenshi became interested to the talk.

("I thought you might have.") That's when a thought came to Ash.

"Wait… are you saying you saw Misty naked?" The rebuttal made Pikachu fidget a little.

("I-I wish, but she turned away…") Seeing Pikachu's reaction made Ash palm his face.

"It's funny how you know what Pikachu's saying sometimes," asked Kenshi. To Ash, there was no secret.

"When you have a strong bond with a Pokémon like Pikachu and I do, you tend to understand Pokémon more," Ash briefed. Kenshi seemed to believe Ash's statement. Hours passed when Maria and Yukine were on the field with plenty of students around.

"Holy Land Academy is massive, but the walking is getting aching," Maria complained as she removed a high-heeled boot.

"Milady, perhaps you need to order a new pair of boots," Yukine suggested. Maria twisted the skin of her aching foot as Ash and Pikachu came around, no Koro on his other shoulder.

"It's not the boots, Yukine, it's the pace. I've been on my feet all morning." Yukine turned her head to see Ash and Pikachu nearing.

"Princess?" he called. Maria and Yukine gasped and turned to Ash and Pikachu. "Are you okay?"

"I am, just some pain in my foot," Maria explained. Ash reached the bench and sat down while Pikachu jumped onto Maria's lap.

"Let me see…" He lifted Maria's leg and felt the pristine skin of her foot.

"How is it?" asked Yukine. Ash prodded her foot for about ten seconds.

"It's got some good swelling and I did find a blister." He continued his massage, rubbing his fingers on her toes. He wedged his fingers between the toes, which made Maria moan. He rubbed his thumbs around the arch, below the ankle and rubbing the palm on the soul. Maria's mind and moans echoed in pleasure.

'His hands feel like a Koro's fur!' she thought. 'So soft! I can't handle it! I'm about to lose it!' After about five minutes, Ash verified the feel of her foot.

"Wow, that healed fast," he awed. "I must be doing something right. Who knew my hands could do that?" Maria and Yukine giggled to the result.

"Maybe you have a future in foot massaging," Maria teased. "Nevertheless, I thank you for treating my foot."

"Hey, no problem." That's when Maria had an idea.

"Say, do you know where Kenshi is at the moment?" The name made Yukine blush. Pikachu noticed and became curious.

"I heard that after taking care of the laundry, he'll be at Wahanly's workshop." Maria nodded to the information and turned to Yukine with a request.

"Yukine, would you aid Kenshi for me, please?"

"Of course, milady!" the blushing Yukine accepted. She scurried out while Ash helped Maria back to her feet, only for her massaged foot to slip and fall onto Ash.

"Are you okay?" he asked, a little concerned.

"Yes, I… might've pushed a little hard," she lied. 'Actually, I wanted to know what it feels like to be in your arms, my soon-to-be prince… and it feels heavenly! Oh, gosh… I can only wonder what you look like sleeping for me to be one with you over Lashara!' Pikachu rejoined on Ash's shoulder as they walked together, Maria's arm wrapped around Ash's.

"May I ask why you have my arm around yours?"

"Oh, I guess I should come clean: As a reward for tending to my aid, I want you to be my escort. I would also want to learn about your world some more since you've shown Mexiah and her class your Pokémon." The request made Ash smile.

"That, I'd be excited to explain." Pikachu hopped over to Maria's shoulder. "Where I'm from, Pokémon are everywhere. It's hard to look around and not find a Pokémon."

"Oh! So, being in your world, finding a Pokémon as a pet isn't hard to look for?"

"Yep… and having one as a pet's not a bad thought. They can be pets, they can work alongside you, they can even battle for you." To Maria, there was a multitude of possibilities with Pokémon.

"Oh, really? So, you can have a Pokémon as a working partner?"

"Yeah, and it's easy to see how valuable a partner can be, right, Pikachu?"

("Always!") cheered Pikachu.

"That sounds exciting already. By the way, are the six you have the only Pokémon? The way you said it, there are many Pokémon to claim."

"You'd be on the right track," Ash confirmed. "As a matter of fact, I got more back home in Pallet Town like Noctowl, Donphan, Torkoal and Bulbasaur."

"Those are interesting names… but why can't we see them?"

"See, a Pokémon Trainer like me can have up to six Pokémon at a time. Whenever I get a new Pokémon that is more than needed, it'll get transported back to my professor's home to further study and help associate with."

"Well, that's a shame. It makes me wanna see those Pokémon as well."

"Don't worry, when Pikachu and I find our way back and invite you, I'm sure you'll meet all the Pokémon I have, even Snorlax and Bayleef." Suddenly, four young men spotted the new boy, princess and Pokémon, blocking their path.

"What do we have here?" a bleached blond young man snarled. "A princess with a new retainer? Or is this a date you have in mind from us, Princess Maria?" His tone made Maria fearful. There was another blond like Lashara, a lavender-haired and a dark blond who faced Ash with Maria tucked behind him and Pikachu on her head.

"We've heard you've slept with Mexiah, and she rarely tucks herself with any of us," the lavender-haired reminded. Looking at the boys, Ash spotted Ceres hiding in the back. Quickly, his mind believed Mexiah told Ceres which got to the men with the wooden swords.

"Perhaps she found a worthy young man to train to be a Sacred MechaMaster," the other blond sneered. "After all, he beat her twice, in the blink of an eye. Anyone that skilled shouldn't be here." Ash felt Maria shake in fear. Seeing Ceres, he had to ask.

"Hey, Ceres!" he called to the back. Ceres looked to Ash. "Did you tell these boys about me and Mexiah?" Rapidly, Ceres shook his head.

"Don't lie, pipsqueak!" the lavender-haired grinned. "You of all people are never one to hold a secret if your life depended on it!" Ceres yelped and turned his back to the scene. The information made Maria worried.

"Is it true?" she whispered.

"Well… yes and no," Ash replied. "I was in bed alone, and she jumped in my bed after going naked. I still had shorts on, the ones Kenshi gave me." Maria wanted to believe Ash, but felt some doubt forming… until he grinned. "Though, this gives me an idea."

"Oh?" Facing the men, Ash revealed a grin that Pikachu wondered.

"So, what if she did sleep with me?" he sneered. "Maybe Mexiah knows a good candidate to be a Sacred MechaMaster should the need happen? Or maybe she thinks of me as possibly family like an older sister or a mom? But I think she sees no value among you four. I guess you can't help but be the small guys to someone as skilled as me." This made the bleached blond upset as he rose his sword.

"You're nothing!" he roared as he swung… only to be met by a clash of swords. He fell onto his backside as Mexiah showed up in her formal attire and sword in hand. When they saw who it was, they freaked out.

"Mi-Miss Me-Mexiah?" the lavender-haired gawked. The Headmistress also came around the back of the men.

"What is the meaning of this?" she scowled, forcing the boys to turn. They gasped.

"Headmistress!" they shouted. The click of Mexiah's heel made the boys turn back to her.

"Attacking the princess with her attendant is not allowed," Mexiah warned. "Perhaps what I have for punishment with you is severe. Do you want it?" The boys laid their swords down before walking away. Ash dashed over to Ceres.

"What happened?" he questioned.

"They heard Miss Mexiah brag about sleeping with the Highlander," Ceres confessed. Ash sighed to the claim.

"Look, don't worry about what happens to me," he reassured. Ceres nodded.

"Besides, you two look good together," he smiled. Ash turned to Maria who blushed. Headmistress giggled to the sight of Maria's face. They reached Lashara's dorm that night where Kenshi and Yukine were attending.

"Cousin, what are you doing here?" awed Lashara. "And what are you doing with Ash?"

"Oh, you should know," Maria teased. "Let me tell you about Ash: his hands are soft, strong, firm. They came in handy when my foot suffered aches and soreness to the point I couldn't walk. Then, there's talk of what his world contains." Lashara's hands slapped her desk, catching everyone's attention.

"How could you claim his before we have our chances to declare the itemizing!?" she growled. "Someday, those hands will feel real royalty!"

"Are you sure, cousin?" teased Maria as Chiaia came in with Kenshi's pendant with an elderly gray-haired woman behind. The pendant was attached by a red cord.

"Kenshi, we're good to go!" she announced. She gave the pendant back to Kenshi who smiled.

"Thanks a lot, Chiaia!" he praised. Lashara noticed Maya and believed a reason was in order for her appearance.

"Maya, what brings you?" she wondered.

"It's in regards to the pendant, Empress," the elder muttered. "For you see, the color of the cord used to repair Kenshi's pendant could not have been further foretold. The red cord is the representation of love to those around and by bequeathing the cord to Kenshi, Chiaia… you have offered your love to him." Chiaia blinked for a few seconds before…

"WHAT!?" she gasped. Turning to Kenshi, regret filled her mind. "Kenshi, I need the pendant back!" Kenshi became defensive.

"Wait, Chiaia, it's okay!" he tried to plea. Chiaia raced after Kenshi before they exited the room with the redhead pursuing the Highlander. Seeing this and turning to a sighing Ash, Lashara and Maria had similar thoughts.

'A red cord symbolizes love, Maya?' sneered Lashara. 'Fascinating! Ash will become the beau to the empire and will become the dominance to everything!'

'A red cord is the symbol of love?' awed Maira. 'Of course! I can create an item that will bind the two of us as my prince!' After the fiasco, Maria escorted Ash to a new dorm with a deluxe bed after Maya requested to watch over Pikachu. "Thank you for being my attendant today after I dismissed Yukine to pursue Kenshi. I do apologize that it was short notice."

"It's alright, Princess," he shrugged. "It was a nice day to know each other."

"Yes, and that's why I'm allowing you to spend the night with me. At least you know who's spending the night with you instead of catching you by surprise." Ash seemed a little star-struck before Maria slipped behind a curtain and came out wearing a purple, silky nightgown with sequins glittering. "Well? Do you approve?" Ash seemed flushed at the look as Maria undressed his shirt, exposing a firm and muscled chest. Maria awed the look. "I'll tell you this much: I approve that!" She lulled Ash back to the pillows before connecting the lips. The two became tongue-tied while their kiss proceeded. The night carried on as Maria held Ash's arm with one of her own while the other felt around his chest. The next morning, Lashara heard from Maria about the night. "I could imagine what Kenshi feels like but sleeping with a firm and muscular chest like Ash's could be considered a body of protection." Lashara steamed at the bragging.

"Princess, it's not nice not to share with family!" she stammered. "Let's go find Ash!" She left her dorm and soon found Ash outside the Holy Land Academy talking to Ceres. "There you are!" She proceeded to meet up with Ash after Ceres left.

"Take it easy today!" advised Ash. When Ceres left, Ash turned to find Lashara reaching him.

"Ash, this is a matter of importance!" she barked. "It's not fair that you spent time with the cousin! You massaged her foot, told her about your world and even slept with her!" To Ash, Lashara blamed him for Maria's desire.

"Lashara, if you wanted anything from me, I'd be happy to help."

"Good. Then, we're in agreement." She sat down and removed her laced stiletto, undoing the straps. When Ash saw the pristine foot of the empress, he gulped. "Now, you will tender this foot of its aches." She kicked her foot to Ash's face, a foot apart. However, more girls showed up, all coming to Ash.

"Hey, we heard you have the best massaging hands!" claimed Wreda.

"Is it true?" questioned Bwoole.

"We'd like to feel it as well!" wished Yeliss . Ash was surrounded and he couldn't find a way out with Lashara blinking to how Maria's care blew up. Mexiah wrapped her leg around Ash's and prodded her barefoot onto Ash's knee.

"Seems we got someone who's got some good hands," she teased. The girls began to remove their boots to reveal bare feet as they presented them to the young Highlander. Everyone wanted to see if Ash was a magic man when he realized that he had shoes. He leaped up and escaped toward the woods as the girls dressed their feet and ran after Ash. Somehow, the Holy Land Academy women's body may need to retain themselves.

TO BE CONTINUED…