Bonus Chapter Part 8

(Sandy)

Delia: So that's what you wanted. I see...

Ash and Sandy are now at the Grand Hall, Sandy decides to give back the role of the Ground Type Leader to Terra, since she feels like she wants to do more things for the environment. Ash is also by her side as he's wearing the Ground-Type outfit.

Ash: I was really surprised since I thought you would like your job as the Ground Type Gym Leader.

Sandy: Nah, it confines me to do what I want to do, like protecting the environment.

Ash: We are aware. But ever since Craudburry is dead, I'm surprised that you have become our new ambassador. Considering the things you've done.

Delia: I was surprised, but she proves that she is also capable of doing so.

Ash also smiles at Sandy, after the Lin mess, Ash and Sandy also confess to each other, despite the others trying to persuade Ash not to, but they also find how amusing Sandy is and they also agree to have her in the harem. And she is also one of the people who tries to help with the environment of Byxbysion Wasteland, and it has become much cleaner compared to before.

Sandy: By the way, I heard that some kids are making noise at the Lapis Alley, how about I try to stop them? (Runs away)

Delia: Ash, I think you should go after her to make sure nothing wrong is going to happen.

Ash: You don't need to tell me twice. (Leaves)

(Serena)

Serena: There you are, Ash. I've been looking for you.

Ash is now in his Psychic-Type outfit as he turns to see Serena, who rushes to him and tackles him with a hug. Serena is actually the queen of the Harem since she is the first one to confess to Ash, and the others also agree since they know how capable Serena is.

Ash: Sorry about that, Serena. What's the matter?

Ash and Serena are now at the house, as Ash is trying to train his new Pokemon.

Serena: Are you still training your Pokemon? Lillie and the others want to visit the Chrysolia Region, I was wondering if you can be our tour guide?

Ash: The Chrysolia Region? I would like to show you around the place. When you are going there?

Serena: We are planning to go there tomorrow. (Looks at Pikachu and Greninja) And it seems like your Pokemon are becoming stronger and stronger.

Ash: I know. As the Reborn League Champion, I have to give my best shot, and besides, I'm also training Shelly an hour ago because I want her to be as strong as me so that she can become the next Champion without any problem.

Serena: Just like what you saw in the future?

Ash: You bet.

(Saphira)

Ash and Saphira are now walking at Labradorra City, since the Team Meteor fight, they have been discussing about how to recreate the whole city.

Saphira: I'm thinking of a library. The walls are compromised; they'll need to be taken out anyway. We can replace it with shelving and give the kids somewhere to at least consider studying.

Ash: That sounds nice.

Then a Hardhat arrives.

Hardhat: Miss Belrose, ma'am- The inspector says the buildings on the north side aren't up to code to qualify as residential units.

Saphira: What do you mean they don't qualify as residential units. They were literally residential units before Team Meteor came here and sent everyone packing.

Hardhat: Yeah, but old standards- Something about square footage per occupant. Doesn't match up. I don't know, I'm just passing it along.

Saphira: Sure, whatever. Thanks. (Hardhat leaves) It's not like I'm going to be charging them like a normal landlord anyway... I'll never understand why people insist on adhering to technicalities in rules. Just look at the situation and determine what the best course of action is.

At the same time, Charlotte arrives and greets all of them.

Charlotte: How's it hangin'? (Notices Saphira's face) You have the Look.

Saphira: What look?

Charlotte: Like the 'how' that's hanging is about to start being a 'who' instead.

Saphira: Unfortunately, any plans to install a gallows probably won't win me any favors in the legal guardianship department.

Charlotte: Adrienn and Ash are on your side; it'll be fine~

Saphira: Hooray for nepotism.

Charlotte: Oh, stop it. It's about trust. You may not exactly be the motherly type, but we all know you well enough to know you'll do a way better job than the good Doctor ever did.

Saphira: (Speechless for a second) I can be motherly.

Charlotte: Oh, please, you can't even cook. Didn't you burn water once?

Saphira: (Turns away) N-no ...It was... twice.

Charlotte: I don't even know how you'd do that. And, hello? Fire Type Leader. Maybe that's the real reason you kept getting denied.

Saphira: It's not like I'll be cooking everyone's dinners myself. The idea is to provide homes for minors who already have the ability to self-govern. Even having the chance to cook dinner for themselves is more than you got. What's important is that they have an option to get away from abusive environments that aren't just another orphanage or foster home. I may not exactly be the nurturing type, but I can look out for them better than a delusional man who's determined to 'fix' everyone through torture. All people really need is room to grow. We have it here.

Charlotte: I'm looking forward to the new neighbors! And it's not like instant noodles are so bad. Meteor left a whole pack of them in the PokéMart! Want some? Bet you haven't eaten today. (Saphira speechless) If you want to teach the kids to take care of themselves, lead by example. Let's go, and don't worry, you can let me heat up the water. (Turns to Ash) Noodles, Ash?

Ash nods as they all start to cook some instant noodles for lunch.

(Serra)

Suzy: We shilled the dyes hard enough at the start that they do the rest of the work on their own. "Hey, love your hair" becomes "Thanks, I got it done at the Central Salon!" And that becomes a 15% discount on a self-advertising product. You do good work.

Ash is now at Voclain's Estate as he is with Serra, Bennett, and Suzy, the stylist in Obsidia Central Salon.

Serra: It sounds like you've really perfected the business model.

Suzy: Quality sees quality. Thanks for thinking of us to sell your products. We're also hopeful for the Icy Shine line. Expect a report within the next couple of months. Until then.

Serra: Always a pleasure, Suzy.

Then after Suzy leaves, Serra sighs as she turns to Ash and Bennett.

Serra: Sorry for the timing; I've been a bit busy. Where were we?

Bennett: You were asking me to sell your shampoo.

Serra: Ah, yes! You and Ash both- I'm sure you have some high profile challengers pass through every now and then, surely?

Bennett: ...Mother, I'm not going to use my position as a member of the Elite 4 to sell hair products for you.

Serra: We can negotiate a proper advertising fee if that's what you need. Or is it because I'm your mother? Would you be embarrassed? You can say 'yes', I'll understand. But you really should see for yourself; this shampoo can do wonders! Your hair will never be fluffier!

Ash: Setting that aside, it would be an inappropriate use of our roles. I am glad that your creative ventures are thriving, and I do wish to support you, but not like this. Instead, allow me to contact some other distribution agencies. Perhaps I can get something going in another region for you. I'll let you know.

Serra: Sounds lovely! I knew I could count on you. (Turns to Bennett) You know, I am so proud of you-

Bennett: Mother.

Serra: ...And that's all I'll say on the matter! Actually, it might be best for you both to run along soon anyway. The photographer will be here soon.

Bennett: The... photographer? You're... getting back into modeling?

Serra: In a sense. I'm afraid I'm much too old for any top-level agency to consider taking me. But, who needs them? They model and represent only a small, unrealistic, and all-too-often digitally-doctored portion of the population. I can do better. Now that I have my own products going anyway, I can save costs on advertising by handling the modeling in-house.

Ash: I see, so you're starting your own agency.

Serra: If I may be bold, it's ridiculous that I no longer meet the criteria for top-level images just because my chest isn't as perky as it used to be.

Bennett: Mother.

Serra: But then, that's only natural and expected after feeding you-

Bennett: MOTHER.

Serra: ...Sorry. I'm just saying, humans deserve to be represented in a much wider variety of shapes and sizes. I hope to provide a fabulous and authentic example of the human condition so that we can all expand our standards of beauty. The fewer people that feel like they're past their prime or unfit for aesthetics simply because of their differences from the usual labels, the better. After all, people aren't simple glass to polish to the points of reflection or perfection. We aren't so static as to break when cracked, but like kintsugi, fissures give us the opportunity to bend, grow, and become more beautiful. Why should we not wear all of our experiences proudly?

Ash sighs as he decides to let Bennett argue with his mother, and he also decides to tell Delia about the news.

(Shade)

Ash is now cornering a cueball who holds a lass hostage.

Ash: Stop with this struggle and come with us.

Cueball: Back off right now, or it's her life!

Lass: P-please-

Cueball: Not a word out of you, girl! You should've cooperated in the first place instead of calling for help! Whatever happens to you is your own damn fault!

Ash grits his teeth as the man is holding the girl in an abusive way, but at the same time, Anna and Shade appear, much to his delight.

Anna: Why don't you let us handle this, Ash?

Ash: Sure, I trust you. (Steps aside)

Cueball: Haaah!? And just what's a little girl gonna do about it?! You gonna go tattle on your daddy to me?

Anna: You know, you might wanna look behind you.

Cueball: Hah, yeah, right! I know better than to fall for that one! Second I look away, you're gonna try somethin'!

Anna: I don't need you to look away for me to be able to do that. I just thought you'd want to say "Hi" to my friend over your shoulder there.

Cueball: ...Huh? (Turns around to see Shade)

Shade: ...Boo.

Cueball: (Releases the girl as he falls to the ground) W-what the hell-

Just then, Shade uses its powers to knock the cueball out.

Lass: A-ah, thank you! Who- who are you...?

Anna: You can just think of me as this region's guardian angel. In the name of shimmering justice, I'll protect everyone!

Ash: She's my sister, you can ignore what she's saying. Now let's get you home.

Lass: ...What's going to happen to him?

Anna: We'll make sure he'll never bother you again~

Lass: He seemed like a pretty desperate kid...

Anna: Maybe! But that doesn't mean we can let it go. You can take it from here, right, Ash?

Ash: Of course. (Watches Anna leave)

Lass: Th-thank you all...

Shade: The girl's taken wing. This was foretold. Yet her power is tempered; her resistance, controlled. It was your hand that did it- your mercy, your grace. For guiding lost children, you have heartfelt thanks. We stay to watch over- that she does no wrong. This arrangement is fleeting; our time's come and gone. The chapter is ending- you know this, dear reader. We all must move forward. That's your charge as leader.

Ash nods as Shade just disappears, Ash also wonders where Euphie is sleeping to have Shade coming from her body.

(Shelly)

Heather: Another 2-for-1? Geez, Ash, I thought it might get lonely all the way back in the Champion room, but I didn't expect you to make it a tourist destination!

Ash and Shelly are in Heather's Chamber of the Charous Hall, ever since Ash and Elias travel to the future, Ash decides to have Shelly as his student to train to become the next champion of Reborn, although he never tells her about what he saw in the future.

Shelly: Nah, you've got the wrong idea. I'm not here with him. He's here with me! I wanted to show Ash how far I've come since last time! And I decided the best way to do that is by taking on all the other Leaders myself! Obviously, this is just a practice match, since I haven't fought my way up yet... But you and Ash are both my friends, so we can just do that, right?

Heather: I don't see why not, if you're really that desperate to lose, I'm always happy to give you a go for it!

Shelly: You know, Heather, that's what I like about you. You're always so confident and full of energy, even right before your world gets totally turned upside down!

Heather: Oh? Are you actually trying to trash-talk me? Is little Shell Bell finally learning to have an attitude!?

Shelly: Er, no- No, I wasn't trying to- Be rude or anything...

Heather: Hey! You started this; don't shrivel up now! I never said I was mad or anything! On the contrary, I can't wait for you to put your mouth where your money is! If you're gonna give it your all anyway, you may as well, right?! It's more fun that way anyway, isn't it?!

Shelly: All right, fine- you asked for it! If that's really the way you feel, then I have no choice but to punt you straight into the New World!

Heather: That's the spirit! Bring it on- I'll squash you like your own type!

Shelly: Let's go, Heather! It's take-down time! (Sends out Yanmega)

Heather: Please, Yanmega doesn't even learn to Take Down!

Shelly: Who said I was talking to my Yanmega? Don't forget, you're talking to the girl who's gonna be the best Trainer in the world someday!

Ash smiles, maybe Shelly really has the chance to be the next Champion of Reborn.


And here is another new chapter, as you can see, we're almost finishing the bonus chapters for Ash interacting with the others, since there are only 5 left. I hope you like this chapter.