The poll is closed. It was a landslide victory of over 75% for harem member Verity. Also this chapter has several characters without official names. I've skirted around it like I did with Angie's parents but if anyone wants to suggest last names for the girls I would appreciate it. Preferably fan consensus names (like Maple for May) but any name that has some decent logic behind it would be nice. This doesn't mean I will use the suggestion but having something sure beats the pants off writing 'said so&so's dad' over and over.

I do not own pokémon as it belongs to The Pokémon Company, Game Freak and Nintendo. Long may they reign!

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Chapter 6: First Impressions part 1

Under the brilliant moon of Alola two mighty beings floated hundreds of metres above the sea.

'Tapu Koko, you're being unreasonable. You know full well that Ash is not supposed to have any legendary pokémon in his possession,' projected Mewtwo telepathically.

The Tapu of Melemele gestured wildly and gave a rude serious of chirps.

'The lack of a rule that says he can't doesn't mean that he should. We don't have a rule for it because no legendary in their right mind would allow themselves to be captured so easily. Add on Ash's temperament and catching tendencies meant that there wasn't a need for such a rule. Now kindly move aside so I can deal with the Cosmog situation,' Mewtwo responded.

Tapu Koko folded its' arms and gave a haughty coo.

Mewtwo's eyebrow twitched, 'Just because I didn't have time to stop it does not mean it's a precedence that should be allowed. The outsider didn't exactly give either of us warning before he spontaneously decided to do that. And don't pretend you weren't watching.'

Tapu Koko blew a razz berry and made several more gestures.

'No, that is not ok. You may be one of Cosmog's appointed parental guardians but that does not give you the final say in this matter. Just because it isn't my exact jurisdiction does not void my involvement either. I am the official first responder for all matters regarding the chosen one. He is NOT supposed to have a legendary pokémon, regardless of its' current strength, so whether or not you think it's more convenient for protecting Alola is beside the point.' Replied Mewtwo.

The island guardian blew another razz berry and gave him the Tapu equivalent of the finger.

'Oh? You're logging an official protest now,' Mewtwo hummed, 'That might buy you time but the result will inevitably fall in my favour. Don't think I don't know what you and the other Tapus are up to. The chosen one belongs to the world so trying to tie him down to the Alola region by giving him a legendary and trying to set him up with a local girl won't work. Solgaleo and Lunala's preference for this region may weaken the dimensional walls enough to make it the first entry point for intruders but that is not enough grounds to make the chosen one stay here permanently.'

With an elaborate twirl Tapu Koko cooed again.

Mewtwo snorted derisively, 'Invalid argument. There are plenty of human males who have had rich and fulfilling lives without a female attached to the hip. Part of the reason why I took this job was to ensure that Ash could still have that while fulfilling his role. Can you imagine his current emotional state if Arceus had assigned someone like Yveltal to get rid of the girls in his life. Every time he got close to someone that bird would show up and kill them. My way is much better.'

Tapu Koko gave a shrug and shook it's head, muttering something that translated roughly to pitying clones for not understanding the joys of romance. Mewtwo decided to ignore the jab.

'If those are all the arguments you wish to present then I will go to submit your complaint. In the mean time, do make sure the outsider doesn't unintentionally cause any more trouble. For your own sake at least,' projected Mewtwo before he teleported away.

The Fairy gave a loud razz berry that translated to 'good riddens' before flying back to its' shrine. Now that the watchdog was gone they could have some real fun tomorrow.

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Meteor Falls, Hoenn

"I am so, so sorry about all this," repeated Zinnia for the umpteenth time as she helped May bandage her pokémon.

"It's okay. I already accepted your apology," smiled May, "You don't need to keep beating yourself up over it."

The two of them were in Zinnia's 'house', which was a very spacious tribal tent complete with modern comforts and some high-tech devices that May didn't recognise.

"I just – well when you recognised my voice before I kinda panicked. Not panic panicked but I was expecting a swat team to show up or something. Our village is way of course for tourists, explorers or anyone else that might be snooping around. When someone comes this deep they are either hopelessly lost or asking for trouble. Since you didn't run the other way when Rayquaza did it's big glowy eyed monster routine and your dad is Norman I just assumed you were the later," Zinnia explained.

"I know, you've told me that already. Is my dad really that scary," chuckled May.

"No . . . I suppose he isn't. But I have seen what a first class gym leader like Volkner can do when they are on official business. Volkner is pretty scary. Your dad is a second class gym leader, which isn't that much difference. The older the gym leader, the more likely they are to be sent on anti terrorist activities and the less qualms they have with brutal fighting tactics," sighed Zinnia.

"For the record, I can hear both of you," Norman added from the other side of the tent.

"Sorry dad. I'm just trying to understand how someone can find you threatening. It's hard to wrap my head around," May replied.

"Hey Zinnia, do you have anything to eat in this tent other than supermarket junk food and military rations," asked Lisia as she rifled through a makeshift cupboard.

"Not unless you want to eat fried zubat," Zinnia remarked, "The power generator I have is powered by intermittent electric attacks so it's no good for something like a fridge. The tribe doesn't like interacting with the outside world that much so they're not big on technology. In fact everything I have in here is something I had to argue with the tribe elders to bring in. Before I was allowed to leave for my missions I had no idea how much I was missing out on. Stupid old geezers."

"You're kidding," Lisia gasped, "I know that this place is in a dead zone and everything outside is lit with torches but are you saying you had no technology what so ever."

"Only the necessities and by that I really do mean just the necessities. The first time I had a hot shower was when I went under cover in Team Aqua. We have top notch medicine but other than that this place is pretty backwards. Considering my parents have passed away, the elders probably would have married me off to someone already if I hadn't been acknowledged by Rayquaza. They have a lot of trouble trying to keep the reigns on the younger generation these days."

"I can imagine," sighed May as she finished Blaziken's bandages and gave it some oran berries.

Lisia continued to rifle through Zinnia's food stocks, "Do you at least have something low calorie. I have travel supplies but it's not practical to eat them while at a settlement."

"What's a calorie?" asked Zinnia.

May and Lisia's jaws dropped. Norman just face palmed and waited for the ensuing explosion.

"I call bull. How can you have a figure like that and not know how to diet," May screeched.

"If this is all you eat then you should be as round as a beach ball. Please tell me you at least eat it in moderation," Lisia whined.

"Er, no not really. I go through six of those noodle cups a day with the military rations on top to provide extra energy while I train. I've never actually thought about dieting," came Zinnia's slightly confused reply.

"That's not fair," wept May.

"Totally not fair," cried Lisia.

"While they're busy moping, I'd like to see if you can add to the information I've collected today," Norman interjected, "Prof. Oak has told me that the pokémon responsible for modifying all three of your memories is called Mewtwo."

"Oh man, that pokémon," Zinnia complained loudly.

"You're familiar with it?" asked Norman.

"Nope. Never met the thing. But I've heard a lot about it from Rayquaza and rumours in the underworld," started Zinnia as she picked up Aster and hugged it close, "Good thing too, according to the rumours that's one nasty pokémon. Gave both the Rayquazas huge trouble when it hijacked the whole global weather system awhile back. Ridiculously strong psychic type made by one of the big crime syndicates. Don't know which group since whenever they make one it escapes and completely levels the research facility that created it.

People, documentation, defence systems, the whole lot. Rumours also say that the ones that came after, could be one, could be twenty depending on the rumour, absolutely none of them compare to the original. What ever that first scientist did to make a pokémon that strong has never been replicated. Not Genesect, not Type: Null, nothing. Rayquaza also says he's a real git during meetings."

"I'm sorry," Norman interrupted, "Legendary pokémon have meetings?"

"Just the big shots, I don't know how it works. Rayquaza just meditates or takes a nap and then grumbles about it afterwards. That's all I know about Mewtwo. Sorry I couldn't help more," Zinnia replied as she nuzzled her pokémon.

The conversation continued with May and Lisia eventually joining in. Topics included how to deal with Mewtwo, Ash, what Alola was like and a few questions as to why Zinnia may have destroyed certain government or corporate facilities. While Hoenn seemed to be on the nicer end of the spectrum, May, Norman and Lisia were less then impressed at what big wigs with money had apparently been up to behind closed doors.

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Viridian airport, Kanto

Hilda yawned as she went through the last of the security with Cilan, Rosa, Bianca, Yancy and a few of their family members that had insisted they tag along. Their flight had left just after dark and had essentially chased the sunset to arrive in Kanto after dark. The jet lag was murder but the air was cleaner here so that was nice. Cilan still had his usual chipper immaculate presentation, which was starting to get irksome. He'd been the only one who had slept on the plane since the girls had been partly excited at going to another country, part terrified that they wouldn't remember Ash if they fell asleep. Particularly Bianca since she was the only one who had been targeted while asleep.

"Cilan, over hear," called a familiar voice.

The group turned to see Iris waving at them next to a guy with spiky brown hair.

"Iris it's good to see your feeling better," Cilan greeted as they approached the two.

"I see you didn't have any problems finding or convincing them," Iris deadpanned.

"What's that supposed to mean," Hilda snapped. The tiredness was really getting to her.

"Now, now let's not fight. Everyone's pretty exhausted so let's save the banter for after everyone slept," Cilan placated.

"Right, my name's Gary. This is a few more people than we were expecting. Which one has the Zoroark?" said the aforementioned Gary.

"That would be me," yawned Rosa, "And who are you exactly?"

"I'm one of Ash's childhood friends from Pallet. I've got a driver's license so I volunteered to take you guys back to Gamp's lab. You know, considering how dense that guy is, I'm really surprised so many girls fell for him," Gary chuckled.

Hilda glanced at Iris, "Well I suppose five is a lot."

"Pfft, five? And the rest," Gary chuckled.

Hilda, Bianca and Yancy shuddered at the sudden malevolent auras behind them.

"I am so glad I don't have over protective family members," Rosa muttered as the other three turned slowly to face the family member that had come with them.

"My, my. You do seem to have the worst luck when it comes to romance Hilda. First that green haired stalker and now you've fallen for a playboy," said Hilda's Mother with a disconcerting smile.

"Indeed. While Ash didn't seem like the type when I met him, it's certainly starting to look that way isn't it," added Bianca's Father.

"Yancy, if this guy is taking advantage of you then he and I are going to have some serious words," commented Yancy's older Brother.

Cilan then jumped in to intervene, "Everyone please! Let's be reasonable about this. We're all here because Ash needs help. I'm sure there will be plenty of time to sort out romance and potential relationships after the fighting is over. Come on Gary, back me up here."

"I bet fifty bucks that the girls will have a cat fight before sunrise," smirked Gary.

Cilan gaped at Gary before turning to Iris who grinned impishly at him, "Don't look at me. There's no way I'm waiting till the fighting over before telling Ash how I feel."

Fortunately for our intrepid gym leader, Rosa decided to spare her friend Yancy from her over protective older brother by pulling her towards the exit. With the atmosphere broken the rest followed Gary to the van Prof. Oak had loaned him for the trip. Once they were all inside the van, Rosa decided to start up a conversation with Gary to keep herself awake and also to steer things away from topics that would provoke Yancy brother and the two adults in the van.

"So Gary, what's professor Oak like? He's pretty famous even in Unova," Rosa prodded.

"Meh, gramps is great and pretty easy going I guess but are you sure you want to spend your time asking me about my grandfather," Gary answered.

"What do you mean?" came Rosa's perplexed reply.

Gary grinned before replying, "Well when we get there in about ten minutes you're going to be meeting Ash's mum for the first time so I would've assumed that would have been foremost on your mind."

All five girls instantly paled and any trace of sleepiness promptly died under a rising sense of dread. Dear ARCEUS, they weren't ready to meet Ash's MOTHER. A girl was supposed to have warning about this. Time to rehearse a perfect introduction, time to apply make up and dress in a way that would make them look sophisticated and smart. Time to practice the local customs so they didn't make a fool out of themselves. There were so many things a girl was supposed to do first instead of showing up on the doorstep looking like a sleep deprived zombie!

Gary burst out laughing, "I'm so glad this van has a backseat camera for monitoring pokémon. The looks on your faces are just priceless."

"I don't feel so good," murmured Yancy.

"Maybe she won't be at the lab. Then we can at least get some sleep," mumbled Bianca with swirls in her eyes.

"Oh relax will you. Delia has never had a go at any girl that's travelled with Ash. I'm sure you'll be fine. It's his Bayleef you have to watch out for. It's gotten real antsy with different people showing up on top of not getting picked to go to Alola," Gary placated.

"That's easy for you to say! Your entire love life might not be depending on the next twenty minutes," Hilda burst out.

Gary whistled, "You girls have real bad for Ash don't you. I'm definitely gonna get my fifty bucks."

"Hey, I never agreed to that bet," Cilan called out.

"Yeah but Tracey was stupid enough to," replied Gary.

"Can't you just give us some pointers," Rosa asked.

"Sure, Bayleef likes peanuts," smirked Gary.

"You KNOW what I mean," Rosa snapped back.

"Yeah, yeah I know. Just trying to lighten the mood is all. Everyone's been getting so tense," Gary shrugged as he turned onto the road that would lead to Pallet town.

"So tell us something about Ash's mum," asked Bianca.

"What? Are you kidding me? None of the other girls that met Delia had any information so I don't see why you should," laughed Gary, "This thing's only fun to watch while I'm on the outside. If I start playing favourites then I'll get pulled right into the middle of this."

Cilan sighed, "When Ash brought you up in conversations he said you were a lot more mature."

"Sorry guys, hard to pass up a life times worth of blackmail after all," Gary said.

The rest of the car trip continued with Gary commenting on random things while the Unovan girls tried to extract information out of him. When they arrived, Cilan helped Gary get out of the car using his crutches and they rang the doorbell. Bulbasaur answered, using its' vines to open the door.

"No means no Bulbasaur. I've already explained my reasoning so being extra helpful isn't going to cut it," lectured Gary sternly.

"Bulba, bul, bulbasaur," replied the reptile defiantly.

Gary's Umbreon bristled next to him.

"Just a minute," called Delia.

Iris recognised the voice and fidgeted since while she had spoken to Delia on the phone, meeting her in person would be another matter.

Delia came to the doorway with a smile, "Why hello Bulbasaur, thankyou for getting the door. I see your back Gary with- Oh my, that's a lot of people. I'm not sure we will have enough room for them at the lab. Let's see, I recognize Cilan from the video call and you must be Iris. I'm going to take a guess and say that you are Bianca. Ash mentioned that you travelled with him for a short time. However I'm afraid I don't know who the rest of you are."

Hilda's mum stepped forward to shake hands, "Hello, Mrs Ketchum I believe. I'm Mrs White and this is my daughter Hilda."

"H-hi," Hilda mumbled as she tried to hide her face with her cap, which caused Delia to chuckle lightly.

"I, um, I'm Rosa and this is my friend Yancy and her older brother, er, what was your name again," questioned Rosa.

"How rude," exclaimed said individual.

"What, it's not my fault Yancy deliberately never used other names," Rosa replied defensively.

The two got into an argument that dragged Yancy in which caused the adults to sigh.

"Ah, to be young. So much boundless energy," Delia smiled, "Now you must be Bianca's father since your standing protectively next to her."

"That would be correct," said the man, "My daughter has developed a crush on your son but unlike Mrs White I've already seen enough to make up my mind on the matter. Bianca is only 18 so I'm sure you can understand that she's too young to be dating boys. We're here so she can say her goodbyes and to allow me to have a word with your son about how taking advantage of young inexperienced girls is wrong and that he needs to stop being a playboy."

Delia's kind smile slid off her face and was replaced with a haunting glare that made the air at least three times more malevolent than what had occurred at the airport.

"What did you just call my son?" she asked in a hollow voice that chilled everyone's bones and had Bulbasaur racing in the other direction.

"I-I, er, I-" stuttered Bianca's father as he tried very hard not to soil himself.

"I know Ash may attract a lot of attention but I can assure you that I have raised him to be a kind and respectful individual. He is a brash and a little more reckless with his own safety then I would like but he is certainly not a playboy," continued Delia, "If you don't want your daughter interacting with my son, that's perfectly fine. You can just go back to Unova. Cilan got in touch with your family out of common decency but you don't actually NEED to be here. I'm sure Ash would be perfectly happy with one of the other girls he met on his travels. However right now my son needs help and I'm not going to waste my time or his on someone who is going to give him a meaningless lecture that he probably wouldn't understand for something he hasn't even done."

Bianca had anime tears trailing down her face, "M-Mrs Ketchum I'm really sorry about what my dad said. Please don't stop me from seeing Ash and telling him how I feel. I came to help and I'm really, really sorry."

Delia snapped back to her smiling warm demeanour, "So long as we're on the same page then everything will be fine. I'm sure Ash will be delighted to see you again. Come in, I baked cookies."

Ash's mom went into the interior, as the group remained temporarily rooted to the spot.

"Arceus's holy shit! I haven't seen her that mad since I was six," Gary exclaimed.

Mrs White leaned forward and yanked the older man's ear, "Next time try not to insult someone's parenting to their face. Let's see what the boy's like before forming opinions ok."

"Mum? I thought you didn't like Ash," blurted Hilda in surprise.

Her mother just sighed, "No Hilda. I just know that the first and last time you had any involvement with someone, you were a real mess afterwards. Then the boy's psychopath of an adopted father came after you. Then you got put in witness protection but still got attacked anyway and decided that the witness protection wasn't good enough so you went completely off the grid. I wasn't able to see you for two years Hilda. Not a picture, not a word. I'm scared it's going to happen again if you get involved with the wrong boy. So I'm here to see what you may have overlooked and make sure he and his family have their heads on straight."

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Unknown location, Kalos
(Otherwise known in other worlds as victory road or at least the entrance to it)

"What do you mean 'we're not aloud in'," yelled Serena.

"Sorry mam but this area is completely off limits on account of vicious pokémon," replied the burly bodyguard.

"I'm the leader of the Lumiose gym. I can authorise access can't I?" said Clemont, "My friend's Greninja is in their and we need to retrieve it."

A second burly league official at the checkpoint gate looked at his tablet, "It says here that you're a fourth class gym leader. No can do sir."

"But I was a second class before I had my Clembot take over," Clemont argued.

"Sorry kid, only the champion, an elite four member or a first class gym leader AKA the people with win ratios of 90% or higher are allowed in here," shrugged the first guard, "If some random trainer's pokémon so happened to wander in here then I can guarantee that it would have been ripped apart and eaten within an hour."

"The Greninja detector only picks up a live bio-signature," Clemont countered as he pointed to his handheld device.

"I don't know what that stupid looking thing is and frankly I just don't care. No means no so move along now. Surely kids these days have better things to do then try to get into the most dangerous place in the region so they can get eaten," frowned the guard.

The group fell back for a group huddle with Trevor being the first to speak, "Ok so maybe we should skip Greninja. I'm sure Ash has plenty of strong pokémon under professor Oak's care that can be brought to Alola and we do have Goodra already."

"Can't we just get in contact with Diantha," Shauna queried.

Serena sighed, "I'm sure she'd be willing to help but getting in touch is the major problem."

"Greninja probably went to this place after helping squishy so that it could get stronger for Ash," Bonnie added, "We can't just leave it there when the time for its' strength has come."

"Do you think we could beat the guards?" asked Miette.

"Not a chance," Trevor countered, "They will either have really high level pokémon or some form of automated restraining system built into the gate. I've seen hazardous places get marked with nothing but wooden do not enter signs before. This is a two-way checkpoint gate. Nothing gets in and more importantly: nothing gets out. This place must be way more dangerous then just some rampaging ghost type."

"Right then! Does anyone have an elite four member who owes them a favour?" Serena questioned.