Though it's quite unbelievable, this time we truly have three Champions. Both photographs and video recordings clearly show all three crossing the finish line simultaneously. Therefore, this year's Honorary Pokémon will be three... no, wait, five! Congratulations also to Lara Laramie and Lyn - the Ash they chose to represent them has successfully won them honors!
Since there was only one Honorary Pokémon flag, Ash had to pose with Rapidash on his left, Arcanine on his right, while he stood in the middle with Squirtle and Pikachu perched on his shoulders. Gardevoir clung tightly to Ash to complete the photo composition, though Ash's current pose made...
Standing beside Ash, Lara and Lyn looked somewhat speechless.
"Gardevoir~" (Finally I can hug Ash like this. If only we could get married now.)
"..."
The Pokémon who understood Gardevoir's words all had a ?-expression of speechlessness. Meowth was even blocking a clearly furious Chansey who looked about to explode.
Suzy looked puzzled as she saw all of Ash's other Pokémon staring at him with exasperated expressions, so she turned to Meowth and asked, "Meowth, what did Gardevoir just say?"
"Ahem, you'd better not ask, meow. That's her private matter..."
"Is that so?"
Misty watched how clingy Gardevoir was being with Ash and couldn't help but joke, "She didn't say she wants to marry Ash, did she? Though I feel it's more like she sees Ash as her dad—after all, back when she was still a Ralts, she needed to hold Ash's hand just to float around."
Misty thought her idea was perfectly reasonable, but she failed to notice the awkward glances exchanged between Meowth and Chansey. It wasn't the kind of awkwardness or subtlety she had imagined.
--Divider--
At Lara's house, Ash and Lara sat facing her parents while the others eavesdropped from the sidelines.
"Ash..."
"Yes."
Lara's father glanced at the ribbon on Ash's arm and smiled. "No need to be nervous. We children of the plains love and hate openly. Since this is Lara's choice, we won't stand in the way. Moreover, we're actually quite at ease with you. We just hope you won't let down either her or Lyn."
Ash suddenly hugged Lara and said to her parents, "Don't worry, father-in-law, mother-in-law. Only a fool would do such a thing."
Being hugged by Ash, Lara blushed slightly but then smiled and leaned against him. Seeing Lara like this, her parents felt relieved. However, they then asked, "I heard Lyn is going to travel with you. What about your medicinal herbs?"
"Well, about that..."
"Scyther, Rattata, I'll leave the protection of my medicinal herbs to you. Rattata, make sure you keep your group in line, okay."
"Rattata!"
Then Ash turned his gaze to the Rapidash beside him. "Ponyta didn't have malnutrition - it's actually a shiny, right?"
"Neigh!" (Thank you, master)
"Lara's safety is entrusted to you, Scyther and Raticate. Lara is the top priority. There will also be regular shipments or seed deliveries from my subordinates every month. You need to pay attention - you can consume the medicinal herbs too, but you must leave enough stock. I'll have Lara supervise this."
Scyther, Rapidash and Raticate all nodded in understanding. Then Ash said to Lara, "Take care of yourself. Contact me anytime if you need anything. You can also call the Tai Lu Hotel staff whenever necessary. With three powerhouses - Scyther, Raticate and Rapidash - protecting you, I feel reassured. Rapidash and the others will continue staying hidden normally, but don't worry, if there's any trouble... they'll teach those enemies a lesson, and—"
Watching Ash ramble on endlessly...
Lara listened patiently while wearing a faint smile. She knew this was Ash's way of showing concern for her.
"Alright, don't worry... I'll take good care of myself. You should continue your adventure quickly. After all, you're my man—it's my pride that your footsteps can travel across the world."
"Understood. Oh, by the way, my mom might come to visit you soon. She said she wants to meet her new daughter-in-law."
Hearing Ash say this made Lara blush slightly.
"Did you tell them everything?"
"Yes. Well, I should be going now. Goodbye, wife."
"Goodbye, husband."
Seeing Ash return, Lyn asked with a smile, "Everything settled?"
"Alright, there's no problem now. Let's go, Lyn."
"Got it, got it. Then let's go, Ash."
———— 🌟 ————
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