Chapter 3

Alice sighs contentedly as her sister Flora, a renowned fashion designer and the Grass Type Leader in Sevestar, meticulously dresses her up. Flora's skilled hands move with precision, accentuating Alice's natural beauty. "Our family doesn't need much makeup; what matters most is our inherent grace," Flora remarks, her voice tinged with pride. "Besides, you're a model; everyone is bound to adore you."

Alice nods appreciatively. "True, but little do they know I'm already taken," she muses with a playful smile. She gazes at herself in the mirror, admiring how the blue dress complements her features exquisitely.

Once dressed, Alice joins her friends Eve, Mark, Drandon, and Ash at the castle gate. Ash, clad in a princely ensemble befitting a medieval era, admires Alice's attire with a warm smile. "Flora has truly outdone herself this time," he compliments.

"Thank you," Alice responds graciously, returning the smile. "You're quite handsome yourself."

Ash's attire is striking—a blue shirt paired with pale pants, adorned with a golden belt and a small red cape fluttering behind him. A sword hangs by his side, adding an air of regality. Mark, Drandon, and Eve sport similar costumes, each tailored to their individual styles. Mark, lacking a sword but donning elegant gloves, exudes a sense of gallantry. Drandon opts for a shield instead, his attire leaning toward a protective and stalwart aesthetic. Both Mark and Drandon forgo capes, while Eve's ensemble mirrors Alice's, albeit in sleek black, complemented by the professor's lab coat draped over her shoulders. The group's attire paints a picture of unity and camaraderie, each member embodying their unique role within their close-knit circle.

"All of you look really great," Drandon compliments with genuine admiration.

"You too, Drandon. Your outfit suits you perfectly," Ash responds graciously, acknowledging Drandon's stylish appearance.

Eve catches Alice's eye, and a smile lights up her face. "Flora really picked out some of the best outfits for both of us. The only downside is that we don't quite look like siblings," Eve remarks with a playful tone.

Alice nods in agreement, her expression neutral yet thoughtful. "That's intentional. We want to showcase our individuality and unique characters," she explains.

As they each step into their respective limousines, Eve leads the way followed by Drandon, then Mark, and finally Alice. Ash, with Pikachu hidden in his limo, joins the procession as they head towards their destination to meet Mr. Goodshow and the rest of the group. The anticipation and excitement palpable as they prepare for the upcoming event.

As the cruise ship gracefully docks at the shore, a buzz of anticipation ripples through the crowd. People disembark, their eyes scanning the horizon in hopes of catching a glimpse of the legendary Sevestar Elite Four and their revered Champion.

Mr. Goodshow's voice carries over the murmurs of the crowd, "There they are, the esteemed members of the Sevestar Elites."

Five sleek limousines pull up, and excitement reaches a crescendo as the Elite members step out. Cheers erupt, especially for Ash, revered as Champion Red throughout the region. His acknowledgment of the crowd with a nod and wave earns him even more adoration. Ash, strategically, takes note of the overwhelming support, recognizing it as a potential advantage in dealing with the ongoing challenges posed by the traitors.

"Now, we have our esteemed representative, Eve Urup, who will address you all," Mr. Goodshow announces, handing the microphone to Eve.

"Thank you, Mr. Goodshow," Eve begins, her voice carrying a warm welcome. "Welcome, everyone, to the Sevestar Region. While some Gym Leaders and Trial Captains from other regions may arrive a bit later, we are thrilled to have all of you here in our paradise. We hope your time here will be filled with unforgettable experiences and perhaps the forging of new friendships."

The crowd cheers in response to Eve's words of hospitality. She continues, "For your stay, we have arranged accommodations at our finest hotels in Otem Town for the next three months. But before we commence, our Champion Red would like to extend a welcome gift—a friendly battle against one of the visiting Champions."

The excitement in the air is palpable as the crowd eagerly awaits this captivating display of skill and camaraderie among the Champions. As the guards present Eve with a small box, she eagerly reaches inside, selecting a lucky individual who will have the honor of battling Champion Ash on the spot. Much to the crowd's delight, the chosen opponent is none other than Champion Steven Stone.

"I suppose luck is on my side today," Steven remarks with a confident smile as his name echoes through the crowd. Ash, displaying his trademark calm demeanor, simply nods in acknowledgment.

The battlefield in the town square is prepared, and Eve steps forward, offering to act as the referee for the exhilarating match about to unfold.

"Let's set a 10-minute time limit for this welcome battle. The match begins now!" Eve declares, her voice carrying across the excited spectators. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation as the two Champions prepare to showcase their prowess in a battle that promises to be nothing short of spectacular.

Steven Stone confidently sends out his formidable Metagross, ready to face Ash's Gengar in an epic showdown. Ash wastes no time in issuing commands, his voice filled with determination. "Gengar, let's kick things off with Shadow Ball!"

"Deploy Protect to shield against the attack, then follow up with Psychic," Steven strategizes swiftly. Metagross executes the commands flawlessly, launching a powerful Psychic attack after deflecting Gengar's Shadow Ball. However, Gengar's agility allows it to slip into the shadows, narrowly avoiding the direct hit.

"Strike with Shadow Flare!" Ash commands, introducing a move that catches Steven off guard.

"Shadow Flare? What move is that?" Steven questions, puzzled by the unfamiliar technique. Gengar, however, combines a Will-o-Wisp with its Shadow Ball, unleashing a devastating attack that not only inflicts substantial damage on Metagross but also leaves it with a burn.

"Metagross, are you holding up okay?" Steven inquires, showing concern for his trusted partner, who responds with a determined nod.

Curious murmurs ripple through the crowd as Cynthia and Geeta express their amazement at the unique move Gengar displayed. "Could it be a custom move created by Sevestar Region trainers?" Geeta speculates, highlighting the region's reputation for innovative battle techniques.

Eve's voice cuts through the excitement, announcing the end of the time limit and declaring the match a draw.

Steven, impressed by Ash's skill and the unexpected combination move, praises his opponent. "That was an incredible battle. Your Gengar's tactics took me by surprise. Is Gengar one of your strongest Pokémon?"

Ash, however, responds with a sigh, revealing a glimpse of his introspective nature. "Perhaps for Ghost Types, but in the grand scheme of all my Pokémon, not necessarily," he admits before walking away, leaving the others surprised by his departure and deep in thought about the mysteries surrounding Ash's full roster of Pokémon.


After changing back into their casual clothes following the welcoming ceremonies, Ash spots Alice seated in the living room of the castle, waiting for him. Concerned, he asks, "Alice, shouldn't you be resting in your room?"

"I have some pressing questions I need answers to," Alice replies calmly. "What's your strategy going to be when you face any of them?"

A tense silence lingers before Ash responds, his tone chilly and determined. "I've instructed the gym leaders not to show any mercy, especially towards those individuals. They won't leave this region alive, and I know my siblings share the same sentiment."

"They won't be the only ones with such resolve," Alice remarks, rising from her seat. "So, what's your plan for after lunch?"

"I intend to work on refining Victini's Searing Shot," Ash reveals as Alice nods in understanding, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the necessity of preparing for the challenges ahead.


As Ash and Alice continue their activities in Otem Town, they are suddenly greeted by familiar faces rushing towards them. It's Gary, Paul, Nemona, and Arven, bringing a wave of nostalgia and camaraderie.

"Hey, Red!" Nemona exclaims cheerfully, breaking the ice. "It feels like ages since we last met. How's Pikachu holding up?"

Ash glances at Pikachu, who gives a thumbs-up, signaling his good condition.

Gary chimes in, "This region you've created is impressive, Red. It's like a fresh start for all of us."

"We won't let anyone take it away from us," Alice asserts firmly, expressing her dedication to safeguarding their newfound home. She then asks about Bonnie, wondering why she isn't with the group.

"Bonnie opted to stay behind to avoid any risks," Gary explains. "But she asked us to deliver a message to you, Red."

"I'm all ears," Ash responds, eager to hear the message from his friend.

Paul adds, "Pallet Town has become quite deserted since everyone moved here, but it's understandable given the circumstances. You did what was necessary to protect them from the threats of the traitors."

Alice nods in agreement, emphasizing the importance of the residents of Pallet Town in clearing Ash's name and ensuring their safety within the Sevestar Region.

"Five years..." Ash's expression darkens with a hint of sadness. "It's been a tumultuous journey for me during that time."

"You're not alone in that," Alice consoles him, sharing her own struggles. "My past life caused a lot of chaos, but having a family like ours makes it worth it."

After bidding farewell to Gary and the others, Ash and Alice accidentally bump into the traitors.

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" Misty starts, but her tone shifts when she realizes who they are.

"Excuse me? You're the one who bumped into us," Alice retorts firmly.

The girls in the traitor group can't help but be captivated by Ash's presence, while the boys find themselves drawn to Alice. Brock, ever the flirt, attempts to charm Alice, only to be met with a straightforward rejection.

"If you're done here, we have other matters to attend to," Ash interjects, steering the conversation away from any further distractions.

"Wait, Red. We noticed the castle nearby. Does it belong to you? Can we take a look inside?" Dawn inquires, her curiosity piqued.

"I'm afraid our castle isn't open to visitors," Ash replies, his tone firm. "And attempting to sneak in won't end well; we have stringent security measures in place."

The warning sends a shiver down the traitors' spines, prompting Ash and Alice to leave them be. However, Trip decides to challenge Ash to a battle, showcasing his overconfidence.

"Why not have a battle? I might just be able to defeat you," Trip boasts.

Alice, unimpressed by Trip's bravado, sets the record straight. "Do you realize who you're challenging? This is Red, the undefeated champion who has triumphed in all nine leagues consecutively over these years."

"That's enough, Aurora. If they're looking for a battle, I'll show them what we're made of," Ash declares, determination gleaming in his eyes as he retrieves a Poke Ball.

The battle unfolds swiftly, with Ash commanding his Dragalge to unleash its power. Flames erupt from Dragalge's mouth as it unleashes a powerful Flamethrower, swiftly knocking out Trip's Vanilluxe. Trip, undeterred, sends out his final Pokémon, a formidable Serperior, aiming to turn the tide with a Leaf Storm attack. However, Ash's quick thinking and Dragalge's agility allow them to evade the powerful assault.

"This is getting us nowhere. Dragalge, hit them with Water Waste attack!" Ash commands decisively, signaling for a combined Poison Tail and Aqua Tail assault. The coordinated attack overwhelms Serperior, leading to its defeat.

Cynthia, observing the battle, can't help but be impressed. "Champion Red truly is a formidable trainer," she comments, acknowledging Ash's skill and strategic prowess.

Serena, watching Ash in action, blushes at his strength and skill. "Maybe we can ask him for some training tips," she suggests, drawn to Ash's impressive display of battling prowess.

After the battle concludes, Ash and Alice become aware of paparazzi from other regions watching them, hungry for news and information about their exploits. Realizing the potential danger, they swiftly retreat to the safety of their castle, understanding that it's the only secure haven for them amidst the media frenzy. They manage to reach their sanctuary just in time, ensuring their safety and privacy away from prying eyes.

"That was a close call," Ash remarks, relieved as they find refuge within the safety of their castle.

Alice nods in agreement, a frown creasing her brow. "Where did those reporters even come from?" she wonders aloud.

"They probably arrived in helicopters to get news about our region and us," Ash speculates, recognizing the media's keen interest in their activities during this significant event. "This must be the biggest event of the year for them, which is why they were so eager to chase after us."

As they contemplate the sudden intrusion of the media, they are interrupted by the arrival of Golly, Ash's sister and the Ghost Type Gym Leader.

"Golly! It's good to see you. Have all the Gym Leaders gathered in the castle?" Ash inquires.

Golly nods solemnly. "Yes, they have. But it hasn't been smooth sailing for everyone, especially with the troubles stemming from the other regions' involvement," she explains with a hint of weariness. "Where have you two been?"

"Just trying to enjoy a peaceful walk, but we ended up encountering the real culprits behind our mother's murder, battling their Pokémon, and then being hounded by the paparazzi," Ash recounts with a mix of frustration and determination.

Golly's expression darkens slightly. "So they're here too... they'll regret crossing our family," she asserts, a hint of anger seeping into her tone. Ash and Alice can only nod in agreement, understanding the gravity of the situation and the resolve within their family to protect their own.


And here is a new chapter, Ash and the others finally get to meet the other people from outside of the regions, and they also battle some traitors. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be the start of the gym leaders' introduction and how Ash plots his revenge.