Chapter 95

The revelation sends shockwaves through the gathered crowd, disbelief painted on their faces as they process the unexpected truth. Champion Red, known to them as an enigmatic figure of prowess, is unveiled as none other than Ash Ketchum, a realization that leaves them all speechless.

Seibold's voice carries across the outdoor setting, his disbelief evident as he turns to Diantha for confirmation. She meets his gaze with a knowing look, silently acknowledging what they've all just discovered. "You've known about this all along?" Seibold's incredulity is palpable.

Diantha nods calmly, her expression holding a hint of amusement. "Yes, we've been aware. But it was a secret we were sworn to keep."

Catelin, a member of Unova's Elite Four, joins the conversation, her curiosity piqued. "So, everyone here was in on it?"

Elline, standing nearby with a serene demeanor, nods in agreement. "Indeed, we were privy to this secret from the very beginning. However, it wasn't our place to reveal it."

Cynthia's frustration is evident as she speaks up, her regret coloring her words. "If only we had known earlier, we might have been able to—"

But before she can finish, Reisa cuts in with a mix of disdain and defiance. "What? Accused him? Coerced a confession based on false charges?" Her tone is sharp, reflecting her strong stance against such actions.

"As Elline mentioned, it wasn't our place to disclose, and we certainly weren't about to question our leader," Luke asserts firmly, his loyalty unwavering.

Steven's eyes widen in realization as he processes the information. "So, you've been with Ash all this time?"

Meanwhile, Serena, who has been listening in, is visibly shaken by the revelation. Her disbelief transforms into a glare directed at the Sevestar Leaders. "Your princess has been making some questionable decisions lately," she remarks sharply.

Eve, not one to mince words, responds with a touch of defensiveness. "She has acted in the best interests of others with her choices, something that can't be said for everyone."

Drandon, known for his blunt honesty, doesn't hold back. "Exactly. Over the past five years and even recently, you had opportunities to enter his life and claim him for yourself. Yet, you chose to believe hearsay like a follower, allowing Alice, or Aurora as you know her, to win him over. If you had trusted in him, Alice would never have had a chance." His words carry a weight of truth, highlighting the consequences of doubt and hesitation in matters of the heart.

Golly's words cut through the tension like a knife, his disappointment evident as he addresses Serena directly. "You know, of all the people Ash has encountered, you're the one who surprised me the most," he begins, his voice tinged with both sorrow and accusation. "As a Kalos Queen, you had the means to investigate and find out the truth about what happened during those years. Instead, you chose the easy route—accusing him without evidence beyond seeing him with a knife."

"Golly, not you too..." Serena's gasp of disbelief is echoed by the traitorous individuals, surprised that she's not siding with them.

"Why not?" Golly continues, his tone turning colder. "Ash is my brother, that's a fact. And that makes Delia Ketchum my mother. I never had the chance to say goodbye to her. Do you know how that feels?"

All eyes turn to Alice, waiting for her response. However, she remains silent, her expression a mask of icy determination as she shoots a piercing glare at everyone present. It's a clear message—she owes them no explanations. With that, she turns on her heel and walks away, leaving them to ponder the weight of their assumptions and actions.

Serena's footsteps quicken as she chases after Alice, her voice carrying a mix of accusation and disbelief. "You've harbored a known killer all this time. How could you obstruct justice like this? Do you honestly believe you can get away with it?"

Alice stops abruptly, turning to face Serena with a steely gaze. "I'm not trying to get away with anything," she replies, her tone icy cold. "And don't act like you're a saint in all of this. You were willing to give Ash a chance to escape what you deemed as justice by forcing him to consume a drug, just so you could label him as a rapist."

Serena's expression tightens, her words laced with frustration. "I just want what's best for everyone, unlike you."

Alice's response is sharp and unyielding. "You see, there's a fundamental difference between us. I don't hide behind a moral or ethical facade to justify my actions. I face them head-on." Her words hang heavy in the air, cutting through the tension as Serena grapples with the stark truth laid bare before her.

Serena's warning hangs heavy in the air, a stark reminder of the potential consequences looming over everyone involved. "If Ash loses the trial, all of you will be seen as accomplices," she cautions, her tone grave. "The Sevestar Region will suffer irreparable damage."

Alice, unfazed by the threat, counters with her own warning. "But if Ash wins the trial, you'll be perceived as someone who obstructed justice, aiding murderers in their Pokemon careers and unjustly targeting an innocent man," she states matter-of-factly. "You could even face losing your Kalos Queen status."

Serena hesitates, realizing the weight of the situation and the power Alice holds in this moment. "Today's trial will determine Ash's fate," Alice continues, her confidence unwavering. "We have gathered substantial evidence, and victory is assured."

As Alice leaves, Serena clenches her fists in frustration, knowing that the battle isn't just in the courtroom but also in the court of public opinion. Meanwhile, the other leaders find themselves facing similar confrontations and challenges from those around them, each grappling with their own roles and decisions in the unfolding drama.

Golly stands firm in the face of the traitors' pleas for help, her voice resolute. "If you think you can escape this mess, you're sorely mistaken."

Trip's anger is palpable as he demands an explanation. "I thought you were on our side...how could you betray us like this?"

"I was never on your side," Golly retorts coldly, her tone cutting through the tension. "I know my brother, and he would never harm our mother. Besides, you've already confessed to killing her, right in my gym, my home! Consider yourselves fortunate that I'm not taking matters into my own hands." Her words drip with disdain as she holds them accountable for their actions. "I won't forgive those who took her away from me, especially since I never got the chance to say goodbye."

Mark interjects with a sense of authority. "As witnesses, you'll be accompanying us to the court."

Just as the weight of their impending trial settles on the traitors, the scene takes an unexpected turn. Police officers swooped in, apprehending each one of them, their faces registering shock and disbelief. They are swiftly escorted to the court located in Quest Town, where justice will be served amidst the backdrop of Golly's own gym, a poignant reminder of the personal stakes involved in this unfolding drama.

Serena's eyes widen in disbelief as she processes the revelations unfolding before her. "How long have you guys been planning this?" she demands, her voice tinged with both astonishment and suspicion.

Insey steps forward, his demeanor calm and collected. "We've been planning this since the day of the murder," he reveals, his words carrying a weight of determination. "While the evidence initially seemed stacked against us, we never lost sight of the bond within our family. Our father and we have been working tirelessly, gathering allies, uncovering potential evidence, and ensuring our side remains protected from the true perpetrators."

The mention of their father raises eyebrows among some of the leaders, prompting Adam to step into the conversation. "Yes, I am their father," he confirms, his tone measured yet authoritative. "As the head of the International Police, we conducted a thorough investigation and quickly established Ash's innocence shortly after the murder. However, considering the volatile nature of public perception and the potential threats against Ash, we opted to keep this information within the International Police. We provided Ash with witness protection under the name Red Satoshi, granting him a new identity to shield him from further harm and false accusations."

Lance's authoritative voice cuts through the tension, his words carrying the weight of his position. "As the head of the G-Men, I can confirm Adam's statements. Ash is innocent, and we will not allow the civil war to escalate any further."

Alice's presence commands attention as she steps forward, her tone resolute. "We are not here to ignite a civil war. Those who still cling to the belief that Ash is the murderer should reconsider, because the evidence we have gathered will dismantle the false narrative that has persisted for five years."

Leon, his skepticism evident, challenges Alice's assertion. "And how do you expect this evidence to change anything?" he demands, his voice tinged with doubt.

Trenor's words hang heavy in the air, a precursor to the shocking truth about to be unveiled. "It's time to reveal the whole truth. Throughout these days of League inspections, we've been trying to convey that everything they appear to be is merely a facade," he confesses, his tone carrying a weight of revelation.

Helen steps forward, her expression solemn yet resolute. "Remember the incident in Greeny City? The Water Pokemon's disobedience toward Misty? The orchestrated cooking and dessert challenges? All of those situations were orchestrated by us. All twenty-two of us," she admits, her words causing a ripple of disbelief among those present.

The unity and cohesion among the Sevestar Region's leaders leave everyone in awe, their previous conflicts and suspicions momentarily set aside in the face of this shared confession.

Golly interjects, shedding light on the meticulous planning that went into uncovering the truth. "Their penchant for wandering alone allowed us to discover incriminating evidence—a series of photographs in Trip's camera, recordings detailing their involvement in our mother's death and their subsequent discord at the graveyard. Their blind trust, earned through navigating the Underground maze, played a crucial role in our strategy," Golly reveals, emphasizing the calculated steps taken to unravel the deceit that had plagued them for years.

Serena's anger boils over, her voice laced with fury. "I knew something was off about them! Do you really think you'll get away with this betrayal?"

Goh's response is unapologetic. "Why shouldn't we get away with it, considering all of you have been getting away with corruption for so long? We merely exposed the truth that you've ignored," he retorts, his tone defiant.

Bonnie's voice trembles with emotion as she speaks up. "They deserve everything they get. They left me without food or water for two days, and if it weren't for Papa, I might have died!" Her words carry the weight of personal suffering caused by their actions.

Lillie's gaze hardens as she adds her own grievances. "They not only burned down Ash's house but used the same tactic to destroy mine, leading to the deaths of many, including house servants, Hobbes, and even Father," she reveals, her resolve evident in her willingness to consume white pepper—a symbol of determination to seek justice.

Gary's admission adds another layer to the tragedy. "Pallet Town has become a Ghost Town because of those murderers," he confesses, his voice heavy with regret. "Ash had to relocate everyone here to protect them from threats and attacks for supporting him."

Adam's authoritative use of aura and commanding voice cut through the rising tension, silencing the heated arguments that threatened to escalate into another confrontation. "SILENCE!" he bellows, his words echoing in the room.

All eyes turn to Adam as he takes control of the situation. "Stop your arguments," he commands firmly. "Everyone, head to Quest Town. The International Police will address the corruption on both sides. But right now, the priority is Ash's trial."

His decisive tone brooks no argument, and everyone, recognizing the gravity of the situation, acquiesces. Without further dispute, they make their way to Quest Town, where the impending trial for Ash will unfold amidst the backdrop of deep-seated corruption and personal vendettas.

Here is a new chapter, and now that Ash's identity has been revealed, it was a mess and Adam has to take action. I hope you like this chapter.