Hey there! Hope you like this chapter as well, but without further ado, let's begin! To be honest, I tried to get this out on New Year's, but I guess I kinda fell a bit late, huh? Well, anyway, enjoy!
"You can't be serious!" Professor Sycamore cried out in palpable shock, Alain sharing a similar expression on his normally serious face. "That actually happened?"
Ash could only nod his head, his real friends standing right behind him, as the Kalos Professor struggled to comprehend what Ash had just told him. After processing what had happened at his house, Ash gathered himself and decided to head right to Kalos with his friends. His friends were somewhat hesitant on simply believing Sycamore would trust him, but Ash was sure of the Kalos Professor, and if not, he was definitely sure Alain would believe him.
They had taken their Pokémon and flew to Kalos, since news spread quick in Pallet Town and people were already beginning to accuse Ash of murdering his mother, as painful as that was for him. And what made it painful still was that those accusations weren't of the traitors' doing, the people of Kanto had completely turned against him, mainly due to Professor Oak's lies. They had been forced to travel to Kalos in the night since it was almost sundown when the traitors had left Ash at his burning house, and his friends didn't want to risk Ash's safety by waiting until daylight.
Ash and his friends still made it to Kalos, however, thankfully before the rumors about Ash had spread there. It was at this time that Ash had run into his former Kanto Pokémon, Butterfree, Primeape, Pidgeot, and Lapras. Hoping they would come along with him, Ash asked each and every one of them to join him. Butterfree had to decline, as his family had just reached an amount of 10, and he didn't feel right just leaving them, although he promised to visit Ash wherever he went. Primeape declined as well, Ash and him never really got along, to begin with, so he saw no point in trying now. Pidgeot had trained enough of the Pidgeotto to keep the forest safe, so she was happy to come along with Ash. It was the same with Lapras, and although she had trouble leaving her family again, they promised to visit her wherever she had Ash ended up.
They had made it to Professor Sycamore's lab, much to his surprise at seeing Ash back in the Kalos region and so soon, and in a poor condition to boot. He had, fortunately, let them inside, however, offering them shelter at his place, which led up to this moment, as Ash had finished conveying his story to Sycamore, the professor currently in disbelief, Alain wearing a similar expression on his face, although his contained rage as well.
"I know that it's probably a lot to take in, Professor Sycamore..." Ash said, sitting on a sofa, with Pikachu fast asleep on his lap, the two of them exhausted from the day's events. Dawn and Brock were sitting on either side of them, weariness evident on their faces as well, Piplup and Sudowoodo and their sides, respectively. Ash's Charizard was standing right behind the sofa, in a protective manner over his trainer, the rest of Ash's Pokémon and friends being tended to by one of Sycamore's assistants.
"But please, you're probably one of the few people that I can trust right now.." Ash continued, looking at Sycamore with a faint hope on his eyes. The professor could only stare at the young man, however, not knowing what to think of the situation.
"You don't honestly think Ash is lying, do you?" Dawn asked, interjecting as she found herself frowning with worry, not wanting Ash to get hurt again with yet another person who wouldn't believe in him.
"Haven't you known him long enough to tell if he'd just make something like this up?" Brock said, a wave of silent anger bubbling beneath, hoping Ash's trust in Professor Sycamore wasn't misplaced.
Professor Sycamore hesitated, of course, he'd known Ash long enough to determine whether the boy was lying or not. But Ash was wearing a somber, serious expression, one that he had not seen him wear before, making him feel uneasy. If the story he was just told was told by any other young trainer, he'd laugh them out or perhaps ring up Oak himself. Professor Oak was one of the most esteemed researchers in his region, in the whole world. Such a story was laughable at best.
And yet, every word Ash spoke was with unmistakable clarity. He didn't falter, his eyes gave away no ulterior motive, only a silent hope along with a plead for help. But still, this story he told of Professor Oak and the others, the acts that were taken by these individuals, the deceased Delia Ketchum... Unmistakably, this was manslaughter, it didn't matter if it was accidental or not, along with blackmail and slander. Could the man that the researching world looked up to and idolized be capable of causing such things?
Sycamore was interrupted from his thoughts as a loud beeping came from his computer, causing the raven-haired man to turn around with a start.
"Alain," Sycamore said, turning to his still shocked pupil, unnerved by this whole situation. "Could you please go and see what that is?"
"Of course, Professor," Alain nodded, his scarf swishing as he went towards the still beeping computer. Without a doubt in his mind, he believed Ash's story, not finding any reason why his rival would have to lie. More so, he found himself disgusted at what Ash's former companions had done to him and his mother, and could only hope that the professor would see this situation in the same way. However, as he looked onto the computer screen, his eyes widened as he saw what it was.
It was a broadcast, to what extent it was being sent was unknown to Alain, but the sender of the broadcast became all too apparent as he gazed at the aged man currently on the screen. "Professor Sycamore?" He called, turning back to his mentor. "You may want to see this..."
Sycamore walked up closer to the computer, eyes widening as he saw the man on the screen. Broadcasting at that moment, right on Sycamore's computer, was none other Professor Oak himself, a stern look on his aged face. Sycamore couldn't help but turn up the volume, enough to so that Ash and his friends would be able to hear.
"Greetings, Pokémon researchers, gym leaders, Elites, and Champions of the world, as well as anyone else that may be watching. I am Professor Oak, esteemed researcher and trainer license distributor of the Kanto region." Professor Oak started off, his image clear as day on the computer before he continued. "Today, sadly, I bring you most alarming news. Ash Ketchum of Pallet Town, a finalist in the Kalos League, has been found to beat and abuse his Pokémon, the most recent incident being after his loss in the Kalos League. While being confronted about this, however, he reacted violently, forcing his Pokémon to attack those attempting to apprehend him, ultimately resulting in the death of his own mother in the aftermath of such attacks. He has blackmailed a number of his former friends to help him, mind control may be a method he uses to do this as he definitely may possess the Pokémon to do so. Based on these events, I strongly suggest Ash Ketchum be relieved of his Pokémon Trainer privileges, and any sighting of him be reported immediately for your own safety and the safety of everyone else."
With that, the broadcast was done, the video shut off as quickly as it had been turned on. Sycamore and Alain could only stare at the blank screen as realization at the current situation began to sink in. Meanwhile, on the sofa, Brock was absolutely furious at what Oak had just done, effectively pitting the world against Ash with seemingly no way out. Dawn was livid as well, however her concerns were now on Ash, her eyes filled with worry as she reached out to give him a hug.
Ash had remained silent throughout the entire broadcast, his fists tightly clenched as he looked downwards at the floor. Each and every word Oak had said on that recording had hit Ash like a brick, his head beginning to spin. Apparently, Ash now abused his Pokémon, attacked without cause, killed his own mother, blackmailed his friends, mind-controlled his friends, and could not be a trainer in any region that chose to go against him. As it was currently doing for Alain and Professor Sycamore, the hard realization of his new reality was currently sinking in. Was he a criminal now? Where would he go? How could he care for his Pokémon? What about his friends? Were they criminals now too? Would they be better off without him? What would if he just went away? What would happen if he d-
Ash's violent whirlwind of thoughts were cut off as Dawn embraced him in a warm hug, her body warm against his as she wrapped her arms around him. "Hey, there's no need to worry, okay?" She said, her signature phrase bringing a small smile to Ash's face.
"...When you say that, it makes me worry even more." Ash said, cheekiness creeping into his voice as he returned Dawn's hug, a small blush creeping onto his face as he realized how close she was to him.
"Well, just trust in me this time, okay?" Dawn said, pulling back to look into Ash's face, her face tinted a light red as well. "Can you do that, just this once?"
"Just this once?" Ash repeated, beginning to feel the slightest bit better as he nodded. "Yeah, considering how many times I've done it before? This should be easy."
Sycamore cleared his throat, however, getting Ash's and Dawn's attention, having turned away from the computer to look at the former trainers. "Ash, I'm deeply sorry for what's happening to you, and for doubting you as well." He said, causing Ash's eyes to light up. "But after seeing that broadcast, I'm certain you're telling me the truth."
"Really?" Ash said, giving Sycamore a smile, relief filling his body. "You mean it, Professor?"
"Why of course. Those accusations... I've seen what you go through for your Pokémon, and Pokémon that aren't even yours. To even insinuate you would turn to abuse..." Professor Sycamore said, a melancholy look on his face as he attempted to return Ash's smile, the gravity of the situation fully setting in. "However, we now have a problem, Ash. If Diantha idolizes Oak half as much as I do, she may be against you, which means you won't be allowed to travel this region."
"But the Champion knows Ash!" Alain protested to Profesor Sycamore, recalling Ash telling him about him meeting her before. "Surely she'll be on his side, right?"
"And how long did Misty know Ash before she betrayed him?" Brock said bitterly, his face visibly upset just thinking about how the friend he and Ash had known for a long time had just simply turned her back on them, Charizard sharing a similar expression behind him. "What are you planning to do, Professor?"
"As long as you want me to, I'm willing to hide you here." Professor Sycamore said, spreading his hands to indicate his whole laboratory, much to Ash's surprise. "You've been through quite an ordeal, simply sending you away would be a horrible thing to do. You and your friends will get your rest here, get back on your feet, and we'll plan on what your next move will be."
"But Professor, if what you say about Diantha is true, then if she finds out-" Alain tried to say, concerned for the professor before Sycamore cut him off with a weary sigh.
"I know, Alain," He said, running his hand through his hair, his bluish eyes showing the man was in deep thought. "I'll lose my Pokémon distributing license, have my Pokémon Professor status revoked, and I'll probably be jailed for aiding a known criminal."
"Professor Sycamore..." Ash said, hardly believing what he was willing to give up just to help him. "Y-You don't have to do this, I can leave right now if you want-"
Sycamore disregarded him, walking towards a hallway, gesturing to the door at the end. "Ash, you're a fine young man, you know that? A fine young man that's wrapped up in adult problems. That being said, allow me, one of the only adults right now that want to, help you and your friends."
Ash sighed as he walked through the inside of the tournament arena, sections prohibited to the audience, his mind drifting back to how he had gone to Sycamore for help all those years ago. He was definitely looking forward to seeing him again, the man had done more for him than he himself knew, besides helping him in his time of need.
"A penny for your thoughts, Ash?" Ash was brought back from his train of thought, turning around to see Serena, walking right beside him.
"Well, I was just thinking about some things..." He said, embarrassed that this seemed to be happening quite a bit lately. "It's nothing, really."
"You're sure about that?" Serena said, looking at her friend, concern written all over her face. "When you get like that... I worry about you."
"Really, Serena," Ash insisted, placing his hands on Serena's shoulders, causing the two to stop for a bit as he stared into her eyes. "I'm fine, there's no need to worry, okay?"
"Okay then, that's fine with me," Serena said, relieved as she gave her friend a cheeky smile as she continued walking, shrugging his hands off. "Well, I'm glad you're not Dawn, or I'd actually have to worry!"
Ash couldn't help but let out a laugh, followed by a giggle from Serena. Soon the hallway they were walking along was filled with laughter, something that they both found comforting, especially since they both knew what was going to have to happen today.
"Wait, where's everyone else?" Ash said, as the laughter slowly died down, just now noticing that he and Serena were the only ones walking down the hallway. Dawn, Lillie, Bonnie, Paul, Gladion, and even Pikachu were nowhere to be seen. "Wasn't I walking ahead of them?"
"Well, Mr. Lost-In-Thought," Serena teased as she pointed ahead. "While you were busy thinking about who knows what, the others decided to leave you to your thoughts, leaving me to make sure you actually showed up to your own tournament on time."
Ash rubbed the back of his head sheepishly, giving Serena an embarrassed grin. "Ah... sorry about that."
"It's fine," Serena said, putting a strand of her behind her ear, her tone shifting to a more serious one. "You've probably got a lot on your mind, huh?"
"Serena-" Ash began to say, about to protest, before getting cut off by Serena.
"You can't play dumb with me, Ash." She said, turning to look at him. "Not after all these years that we've known each other. Those traitors are here, the world still thinks that you abuse your Pokémon and friends, you still haven't returned Lillie's or Dawn's love for you, and on top of all that, you're going to have to reveal that you're the Alolan Champion, aren't you?"
Ash remained silent, looking down at the floor, before speaking up. "Yeah... it's a lot to take in... but it's not like all this came out of the blue. I'd always have to meet the traitors again one day, the world's believed the same lies for a while now, Lillie and Dawn have both had feelings for me for some time now, and it's not like I was planning on keeping my identity a secret forever. But still... it all seems like it's crashing down on me... but I don't want anyone to worry."
"We're your friends, Ash," Serena said, having Ash a loud tap on his head with her knuckle. "It's basically our job to worry about you, you know? I worry about you, and I'll be here to support you, always. That's what friends do, you dolt, you get it?"
Ash paused a bit, taking what Serena had said in. There was no doubt about it, Serena and the others were his friends now, they were the ones that had stood by him when everyone turned their backs on him, weren't they? "Yeah..." He said after a short while, smiling to himself. "Yeah, I get it."
"Well, good," Serena said, pleased that Ash was seeing it her way. "Oh, and by the way, don't think that I'm the only one that worries about you this much. I know a certain bluenette that has been worrying herself sick over this tournament, and not just for her appeal."
"Serena, you don't-" Ash was about to say, before being cut off by the honey blonde once again.
"Listen, she loves you, and I know you love her back," Serena said, a wistful look in her eyes, Ash's and Serena's little walk in a world all of its own now. "I remember when I used to look at you like that, you know? All the way back when we were traveling around the Kalos region. I was smitten, I couldn't stop thinking about you, clueless to the platonic love you felt for me. But this time... it's different. This time, she loves you, and she's lucky enough that you love her back. The way you two look at each other... it's special, and I'd hate to see what happened with us happen to you two."
"I do love her... but you know it's not as simple as that, Serena," Ash said, brows furrowed as he pondered his choices. "I'm going to have to make a choice, I know that I do. Choosing one over the other... it's all so new to me. But... I'll keep what you said in mind, okay?"
"And maybe give the lucky girl some kisses along the way?" Serena said playfully shoving her friend with her hand as they neared the entrance to the spectator seats Ash would be residing in.
Ash simply let out a nervous laugh, moving forward to open up the door for Serena, gesturing for her to go in first. "Well, I guess we'll see, won't we?"
Practically every trainer that was qualified could be spotted in the immense stadium. Those that were Gym Leaders were given their own area to sit, sorted by the region that each of them came from. The same was true for the Elite 4, their area being placed right behind the Gym Leaders. And yet, they were still under the skybox Ash had set aside for each of the regional Champions to reside.
Max could barely contain himself, his eyes practically bursting out of his head as he spotted one elite trainer after the other. "WOW! There are amazing trainers from all over the world here! Look, there's Flint from the Sinnoh Elite 4! And Steven Stone, the Hoenn Champion! And Grimsley from the Unova Elite 4! And Drayden, the strongest gym leader in the Unova region! And-"
"Yeah, yeah, Max," Misty said, pulling her head up from Gary's lap to look at the spectacled boy, dressed in clothing a little less revealing, almost reminiscent of the attire she wore when she was traveling with Ash. "We already knew all these people would be here, what's the point in getting so worked up?"
"Let him have his fun, babe," Gary said, playfully putting a finger to his girlfriend's mouth, shushing her, running his other hand down her body. A bit tired of all the attention he was giving her, Misty complied with her boyfriend's touch, although she did so in a resigned manner. "These are some pretty strong trainers after all."
"Just promise me that you won't die of a heart attack when the Alolan Champion reveals himself, okay?" May advised her little brother, a concerned tone in her voice, before beginning to make out with Drew, the green-haired trainer reciprocating her affections.
"Well, I for one, am quite intrigued by who this brand new Champion could be." Professor Oak said in a wise manner, turning to Max. "And I'm sure that last-minute training that you put in will certainly help."
"It better, Professor!" Iris said, mainly excited by the Johto Champion, Lance, and his Dragonite, Axew sharing her excitement from within her hair. "Max whining about losing isn't something I signed up for today, you know?"
"Have a little faith in Max, Iris!" Cilan said, patting the Dragon trainer's head softly. "After all, trust and friendship to others are like integral spices into a brilliant meal, the two complementing each other, and making their flavor stronger!"
Everyone in that group paused, turning to look at the green-haired connoisseur, what he had said actually made sense to them.
"D-Did Cilan actually make sense?" May asked wondrously, turning away from her boyfriend to stare at Cilan.
"Better yet, did we actually let Cilan finish one of his stupid metaphors?" Gary said, mostly irritated that Misty's attention wasn't on him anymore.
"I dread to think about what this means for my mental health..." Professor Oak moaned, putting his face into his hands, looking downwards onto the floor.
"Also, I'm kinda hungry," Cilan said but was drowned out by Max's ecstatic screams.
"Guys, look!" Max cried out, his glasses nearly flying off of his head as he jumped out of his seat, more excited than a group of fireworks. He pointed out towards the arena, a large door opening up, the people of Alola beginning to cheer. "The Alolan Elite 4, they're coming out right now! Wait... they kinda look familiar... HOLY SHIT!"
The others were confused as to who Max meant, and turned to look at the battlefield, their eyes instantly widening at who the Alolan Elite 4 had turned out to be. And they weren't the only ones, people that came from outside the Alola region were all around them, bearing similar expressions on their faces. The people of Alola only cheered louder, however, seemingly taking enjoyment in everyone else's confusion. The traitors could only watch, however, eyes widened, as the unexpected began to happen right before their very eyes.
Before this, however, Ash had some time to kill as he entered the spectators' room reserved for him and his friends, going in right after Serena. All conversations in the room stopped, as all attention focused on Ash. Of course Pikachu, Dawn, Lillie, Bonnie, Paul, and Gladion were there, but there were others who were there as well. Brock, tending to a Stufful with his wife, Olivia, Sawyer taking notes in his little notebook as always, and Hau, still as cheerful as ever, were all there. Serena could only snicker as Ash's face turned red from all the attention.
She playfully skipped over to Gladion's side and nudged his shoulder, the Aether President busying himself with his Silvally. "Bet you missed me, didn't you?"
"Barely noticed you had left." Gladion deadpanned, tending to his partner, causing Serena to pout, leaning her body onto his shoulder.
"Um, sorry I'm late, guys.." Ash said, calling attention back to himself, trailing off as he rubbed the back off his head, fingers running through raven black hair, smiling sheepishly. "I guess I kinda got caught up in something."
"That's what you always say, Ash!" A familiar voice rang out. Ash turned to see Barry running into the spectator's room right behind him, all worked up as usual. "I oughta give you a fine for that, ya hear?"
Ash sweatdropped as he stared at Barry. The two had become closer friends since the betrayal and had remained good rivals, but there were times when Barry could be... a bit much. "Barry, you came here even later than me!"
Barry simply crossed his arms, smirking. "Well, you're the Champion, aren't you? You should be here first, today's the tournament, after all!"
"Pot, meet kettle." Paul quipped, although he was pretty happy to see Barry, even if he wouldn't admit it. The two had gained a pretty solid rivalry over the years, although Paul could be a bit hard-pressed to call him his friend at times. "But he's right Ash, the tournament is starting in just a few minutes, you should be out there already."
Paul's words sank into Ash's head like an anchor, realization creeping into his mind. The tournament itself had completely slipped off the edge of his mind after coming out of that conversation with Serena. He blinked a solid quiet moment passing, before yelling out loud, startling everyone around him. "SHIT, YOU'RE RIGHT!"
"Same old Ash," Brock said, sighing and turning to the bluenette next to him, but not without a smile on his face as he linked Olivia's hand with his own. "I guess some things never change, huh Dawn?"
Dawn giggled, shaking her head in agreement, a dreamy look coming into her eyes as she looked over at Ash. "Nope, and I don't think they ever will. Give him some credit though, I'm pretty sure he's getting better being serious."
"AAAHHH!" Ash was flailing about, quickly getting himself together, his companion hopping right into his shoulder, his mouth suspiciously red. Ash didn't have time to focus on that, however, he had a tournament to get to. As he rushed out the door that led out into the arena, Brock, Paul, Lillie, and Bonnie got up as well, and walked out with him, being greeted by the cheers of the Alolan region.
And that's precisely the situation that the traitors found themselves looking at; as Lillie, Paul, Bonnie, and Brock walked out onto the stadium, greeted by the cheers of the Alolan natives, adoration ringing clearly in their voices. Alolan natives weren't the only ones there in the seats of the stadium, however, people from all kinds of regions were there as well, bearing confused and bewildered looks, much like the traitors.
However, nothing was willing to dwell on these confused looks, especially not the people of Alola, as the announcer in the stadium quickly made sure to properly introduce the adored trainers walking out onto the arena.
"Welcoming us all into the very first run of Tournament of the Stars, a tournament held none other than by our champion himself to honor the deities of the region, please let out a loud cheer for our Elite 4!" He boomed, hollering into his microphone from his booth high up in the stands.
"Professor Oak, what's going on?!" Max cried out, frustrated and confused at the same time, pointing towards the 4 trainers that had currently gathered out on the arena. "How are those guys even here, let alone Elite 4?!"
"Hold on Max, and take a breather!" Misty said, curiosity mainly in her voice as she looked out into the stadium, feeling something at seeing her old traveling companion. "It's not like he's going to be able to tell you, is he?"
"No, Misty, the boy is right for being like this." Professor Oak let out as he looked angrily down at the 4 trainers gathered, before continuing in a lower voice. "After what I did, they shouldn't have been able to even be trainers any more..."
"What you did?" Misty quickly questioned, but the redhead was silenced by her boyfriend, Gary responding before she could get an answer.
"You're definitely right about that, Gramps." He said, his eyes fixated on the 4, his ears drowning out the cheers of the audience. "How do you think they were able to become Elite 4 then?"
"I don't know..." Professor Oak said, grimacing, his mind wondering if Ash was anywhere nearby. "But let's be quiet for now, we wouldn't want to cause a scene, would we? The entire region seems to love those 4... even though that shouldn't be possible..."
The other traitors decided to heed the professor's words and kept their mouths quiet, unable to draw their eyes away from the people they once knew. Gary, like his grandpa, was infuriated at the fact that these people could even become Elite 4, let alone even still be trainers after what his grandfather had done. Misty was still confused, apparently not knowing what Professor Oak had done, but couldn't help but feel a kind of sadness when looking at Brock. Tracy really couldn't care less, although the sketcher DID notice how attractive Bonnie had become.
Max had a similar reaction to Gary, huffing as he turned his face away, attempting to look anywhere but at the traitors. May had broken away from making out with her boyfriend to gaze at the people she once called friends, only for her to single out Lillie as that girl they met back at the fountain, a rage building inside of her. Drew, a bit upset that May had chosen to stop, couldn't help but be irritated, not really caring about the 4.
Trip couldn't help but scoff at the fact that these 4 had become Elite. He was still obviously better than them, wasn't he? Iris simply stared at the arena in disbelief, Axew still rustling about in her hair, shocked at the fact that those 4, mainly Dawn, Brock, and Paul, could even become the Elite 4 of this region. Cilan was about to speak up, attempting to make another one of his conessiour speeches, but one look from Gary shut him up real quick. Meanwhile, Clemont could hardly believe, after so long, he had finally found his sister. Gripping his hands onto his chair, he silently vowed to bring her back home.
While all this was happening, the announcer took it upon himself to continue, announcing each of the Elite 4 individually with gusto.
"First, let's welcome the first and youngest of our Elite 4, Bonnie Volt!" He belted out, hollering into his microphone as Bonnie playfully twirled about, subtly flashing off a Mega Ring, her Dedenne and Squishy tucked in a white satchel. "Although she may be the first Elite 4 you'll face, her Dragon and Fairy types are nothing to play around with!"
As if on cue, Bonnie tossed a Pokéball into the air with enthusiasm, causing it to open with a loud pop. In a white flash, out came a wisened Drampa, letting out a loud cry as Bonnie nuzzled its head in her hands, giggling with glee as Drampa licked her in return. The crowd went wild, showing their appreciation for one of their elite trainers, as Bonnie walked off with Drampa, going towards a stage, decorated in orange and purple, and standing on the front right corner. But before she made it there, the traitors could've sworn that she had shot them a look meant to kill.
"Next up, welcome the next of our talented Elites, Lillie Aether!" The announcer continued after Bonnie and Drampa were both on the stage, as Lillie shyly smiled and waved at the crowd, her Keystone glinting from the ponytail holding up her blonde hair. "Coming from a family of two accomplished scientists, Lillie and her Ice and Fire types simply don't disappoint!"
Like Bonnie did before her, Lillie tossed a Pokéball into the air, albeit in a bit more reserved manner. With a loud pop and a white flash, Lillie's Alolan Ninetales soon appeared right beside her, quickly nuzzling close to her trainer. Giggling as her Pokemon tickled her, Lillie and Ninetales bowed, turning to go stand at the front left corner of the stage, but not before sending an icy glare up at the traitors, specifically Max. Of course, it only lasted a second, but the traitors couldn't help but shiver at the instant change in her demeanor.
"Next in our line of Elite 4, please give a large greeting for our very own Brock Stone!" As the announcer went on. announcing Brock's name, Brock couldn't help but shoot a charming grin into the audience, a Keystone shining subtly from a pin on his green vest. "In addition to being our specialist in Rock and Water types, Brock is also a well-renowned doctor and happily married to our Grand Kahuna of Akala Island Olivia!'
The Nurse Joys in the crowd cheered loudly, a sight that probably would never have happened back when Brock was still traveling with Ash. Still, Brock gave a rather manly thumbs up and a smirk directed right towards his wife, who was watching in a skybox with all of Ash's other friends. After seeing her enthusiastic grin, he walked onto the stage as well, standing in the far left corner, releasing his Steelix beside him.
"Finishing up, let's give a big hand for our last, but not least, member of the Elite 4, Paul Shinji, our champion's driven rival! His Electric and Dark-type Pokémon are certain to give anyone a run for their money, including our dear Champion!" The announcer cried, his voice more than making up for the obvious lack of enthusiasm Paul was showing at his name being called, the purple-haired trainer giving a small huff as the audience went wild for him.
Not entirely dismissing the chance to show off, however, he tossed a Pokéball into the air, allowing his Electivire to come out, the fuzzy yellow Pokémon giving him a big hug with his two tails once he came out. The crowd went wild again, showing their appreciation for Paul and his companion, despite Paul's obvious displeasure at being hugged. Shoving his Pokémon off of him in an almost comical manner, Paul moved towards the far right corner of the stage, but not before sending a steely glance at the traitors, who definitely recognized him.
This left all four of the Alolan Elite 4 standing together on the stage, their Pokémon enjoying the attention they were receiving. Still, one person was missing, and almost everyone knew it. Brock, Paul, Lillie, and Bonnie all knowingly looked towards the entrance they had come out of, white and blue smoke being spewed as a silhouette began to become visible through the smoke, with what seemed to be a Pokémon on his shoulder. The crowd fell silent, as the sound of footsteps was all that could be heard throughout the arena.
"N-No..." Professor Oak whispered loudly, startling the other traitors around him. "It couldn't possibly be him..."
"Couldn't it?" The aged professor turned around to look at the person who had said that, as did the other traitors, only to be faced with Gladion, standing in the aisle just right of their seats. The Aether Foundation heir noticed that their expressions ranged from anger to bewilderment, but he brushed that aside, focusing his next words at Professor Oak.
"Give a large hand for our Champion, the savior of the region, and arguably one of the strongest trainers in the world, please welcome him as loud as you can..." The announcer said, his words cutting through the silence, his words like the calm just before a storm. The Elite 4 couldn't stop smiles from spreading across his face,
"Our Champion is a strong man." Gladion continued from up in the stands, turning away to look at the arena, the silhouette becoming more and more clear, the other traitors' eyes widening in shock as they realized just who the Alolan Champion was. "He's been through a hell of a time, and he'd be damned if he simply let what you've done stop him from achieving his dream. In fact, you only added a tank of fuel to his fire."
"Wait, you can't possibly mean that your Champion is...?" Misty began, her green eyes widened as she forced herself to turn away from the arena to look at Gladion, although the blonde simply refused to turn to her as well.
"I'd suggest you all stop questioning what you already know to be true," Gladion said ominously before allowing himself to smirk, the expression spreading across his face. "That time would be better spent on thinking about how you'll dig yourselves out of the 5-year hole you've put yourselves in. Because our Champion, the Champion of Alola is none other than..."
"Ash Ketchum!" Once both Gladion and the announcer said that name, said trainer emerged from the smoke, an enthusiastic grin on his face as Pikachu rested contentedly on his head, laying on the hat his mother left him. And then the entire arena, foreigners and natives alike, went wild.
Well, thanks for reading this, and I DO apologize about not getting this out sooner! But it really be like that sometimes, and school's definitely catching up with me. Still, tell me what you thought about this chapter, and be sure to also let me know who you want Ash to end up with, as I've kinda narrowed the choice down to either Dawn or Lillie! I'm starting to open up to a harem (maybe, still not entirely sold), so there's that. Wrapping this up, I hope you enjoyed, and have a Happy New Year's!