Chapter 96
With Minami serving as Ash's lawyer, the trial progresses smoothly. Each of the traitors confesses their part in the murder plot: Trip is the mastermind, Kiawe ignites Pallet Town, May, Clemont, and Mallow menace the townspeople, Brock, Sophocles, and Cilan restrain Delia, while Misty and Lana rescue individuals from the flames, and Iris carrying out the murder.
Iris's admission as the murderer sparks chaos as the traitors attempt to create a blackout using Clemont's device. Despite this, the Sevestar leaders, except Minami and Alice, manage to restrain them. In the frenzy, Trip brandishes a knife and charges at Ash.
"Brother, watch out!" Minami shouts, alerting Alice, who leaps to shield Ash.
"Alice, no!" Ash cries out too late as the knife pierces her chest.
"I'm alright, Ash," Alice reassures, pulling out the knife without a gasp. Her protective suit under her clothes saved her from harm.
"I've faced death many times as an assassin," Alice remarks in a detached tone. As each traitor is arrested for Delia's murder and attempted murder, the judge slams his gavel, declaring, "The court finds the defendant, Ash Ketchum... Not guilty!"
A wave of relief washes over Ash, his smile brightening as cheers erupt from the Sevestar natives, along with some Champions and leaders like Adam, Diantha, Wikstrom, Wallace, Winona, Valerie, Wulfric, Lillie, and Gladion. Even Steven, though composed, harbors a deep sense of validation for his son's innocence.
Conversely, Serena, Cynthia, and Leon are visibly stunned, heads lowered in disbelief. Serena, in particular, is shaken by the unexpected outcome, her horror palpable.
"We did it," Alice exclaims, rushing to Ash and sharing a kiss, to which Ash responds, "I couldn't have done it without your help."
"There's one lingering question. Why didn't they kill Ash too? They could've staged it as the son killing the mother and then being taken out in a counterattack. That would've eliminated at least one potential issue," Daniel queries.
"We've been pondering that ourselves, but they might want Ash to return even stronger, and there are the five of us, Ash's siblings," Golly speculates. "We would've seen through the entire plot as well."
"Even though I've been cleared of guilt, we still have the League inspection," Ash acknowledges. "Fortunately, only the Elite Four and I remain."
"And once that's over, we can finally plan our wedding," Alice beams. "I hope to invite all of you."
"Count us in," Lillie assures, as several Champions and leaders express their agreement.
Adam's commanding cough grabs the leaders' attention, prompting a pause in the celebration. "Hold on, everyone. I have more to address," he declares.
As all eyes turn to him, Adam continues with a serious tone, "While it's a joyous occasion that my son, Ash Ketchum, has been cleared of murder... there are still unresolved matters that demand attention. Allow me to cite a few examples."
His demeanor shifts to sternness. "Pokemon and object theft, sexual assault, sabotaging fair competitions, needlessly stirring conflicts... Shall I continue? Your blatant abuse of power cannot be ignored!"
His words weigh heavily on the gathered leaders, who gulp and lower their heads in acknowledgment. "As punishment," Adam asserts, "you will undertake community service and pay fines for your actions. Whether your motives were for Ash's innocence, personal vendettas, or any other reason, it's irrelevant."
While some onlookers sympathize with the leaders' predicament, the leaders themselves are largely unfazed, as many are already engaged in significant voluntary community work. Additionally, thanks to the support of the RPA Company, the fines don't appear to dent their financial standings significantly.
Mark gazes contemplatively at the scene before speaking up, "I suppose it's for the best... We didn't exactly inform Dad about our plans for revenge against the traitors..."
Minami nods in agreement, her expression thoughtful as she adds, "True... even though Dad supports our revenge schemes, we still need to consider those unaware of our intentions."
Ash exhales heavily, a mixture of relief and weariness evident in his voice, "That's in the past now. Let's leave the courtroom and find a spot to celebrate our victory."
As they begin to turn away, Serena, Cynthia, and Leon approach, their faces carrying a weighty seriousness that immediately puts Ash on edge. His jaw tightens, anger flashing in his eyes. "What are you doing standing there, Serena?" Ash's voice carries a hint of frustration as he addresses her directly, his eyes narrowing slightly.
Alice steps forward, her stance assertive as she intercepts Cynthia and Leon, her tone tinged with reproach, "And you two. You've got some nerve approaching us after making your views crystal clear."
Ash's anger bubbles beneath the surface as he speaks up, his words sharp with irritation, "Are you here to try and sway me? Let me be clear—I won't budge now that I've been officially cleared of any wrongdoing."
Serena shakes her head gently, her expression earnest as she explains, "No, Ash. I'm not here to persuade you. I just want to share something important with you."
"Really?" Ash's skepticism is evident in his voice, his arms crossed defensively as he challenges her, "And what might that be? You traveled all this way just to talk?" His tone carries a mix of disbelief and guardedness, showing his reluctance to engage in any further complications.
Serena's voice quivers as she speaks, her head bowed in contrition, "I'm truly sorry. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me, and perhaps we could... be friends again..." She trails off, her apology laced with an unspoken desire for more, though she settles on the word "friends" to tread cautiously.
Ash's eyebrow shoots up in incredulity at Serena's words. "Are you serious?" His tone is laced with disbelief and simmering anger. "You have the audacity to ask this of me after everything you've done? For five years, you tried to pin my mother's murder on me and even attempted assault in Rota. Not to mention your relentless harassment of my fiancée. And now, you think we can just be friends?"
Serena attempts to interject with a defense, starting with "But Alice's..." but Ash cuts her off, his frustration palpable.
"All you cared about was your Kalos Queen image and capturing a supposed criminal, completely disregarding the fact that I could've been framed!" Ash's voice rises with each word, his pent-up emotions spilling out. "You never bothered to listen to my side of the story. Alice, on the other hand, stood by me, supporting me through everything to get me where I am now. Did you honestly believe you did nothing wrong?" His words hang heavy in the tense air, accusing and unyielding.
Serena's voice quivers as she tries to explain, "But I didn't do anything to your mother! What happened was because of them. They tricked me. I had no idea about their plans, and I thought I was helping them!"
Ash's glare remains unwavering. "That changes nothing, Serena," he retorts sharply. "A mere apology won't erase all the suffering I've endured because of you."
He then turns to Cynthia and Leon, his disappointment evident in his tone. "And as for you two, former number 1 and 2 of the World Championships... I can't believe you fell for their lies and participated in framing me! Being unbeatable in battles doesn't give you the right to manipulate and frame others!"
Cynthia and Leon are left speechless, acknowledging Ash's words as truth and feeling the weight of their actions.
Ash's words cut deep as he turns to Serena, his tone heavy with regret and disappointment. "You know, Serena, if I had known this would happen, I would never have helped you achieve your dream of becoming Kalos Queen. I shouldn't have invited you to travel with me in the first place."
Serena's heart shatters at his words, the pain echoing the nightmare she had experienced earlier. The sympathy she had received earlier in the morning now feels hollow, as Ash's truth pierces through it all.
Turning to the others, Ash's voice carries a finality as he declares, "Let's go. As for the rest of you, stay away from me from now on. I can only trust my true friends who stood by me and never believed in my guilt from the start."
The group exchanges looks of unease and guilt, unable to offer any words of comfort or explanation. As everyone begins to depart, Serena sinks to her knees, overcome with sobs and a profound sense of brokenness. The weight of her actions and the consequences they've brought crash down on her, leaving her utterly devastated.
In the midst of celebration, Ash and those steadfast in their belief in his innocence from five years ago revel in the lush garden of Otem Town's Castle, transformed into a grand party venue. The castle's interior, unable to accommodate the large gathering, is surpassed by the picturesque beauty of the garden under the night sky.
The feast is a collaborative effort, with every chef from Helen's kitchen showcasing their culinary mastery, ensuring delectable dishes of the highest quality. As the night progresses, bursts of fireworks illuminate the heavens, painting the scene with vibrant colors and adding to the festive atmosphere. The guests, adorned in elegant attire provided by D&W, exude an air of regality, making everyone in attendance feel like royalty.
Meanwhile, outside the castle walls, those who doubted Ash's innocence stand apart, unable to partake in the jubilant festivities within. Their exclusion serves as a stark reminder of the divide caused by differing beliefs and the repercussions of past judgments.
Ash stands proudly beside Alice, both clad in the same elegant attire they wore on the day of Rota Kingdom's coronation. Golly, impressed by their appearance, remarks, "You both look stunning, Brother, Alice."
"Thank you," Ash replies with a smile, lifting his glass of wine. With a sweeping gesture, he declares, "A toast, to all those who stood steadfastly by my side!"
The gathered guests raise their glasses in unison, offering hearty cheers in support of Ash. Once the cheers die down, Ash takes a moment to address the crowd. "Now that I have your attention," he begins, his voice carrying a blend of gratitude and determination.
Ash clears his throat before addressing the assembled guests, his tone carrying a mixture of solemnity and determination. "There are five important matters I wish to address tonight."
"Firstly," he begins, his voice tinged with sadness, "my mother's coffin has been resting in the Underground Maze for too long. I believe it's time we gave her the proper funeral she deserves."
A wave of somber nods and murmurs ripples through the crowd as they remember Delia's memory.
"Secondly," Ash continues, his expression shifting to one of determination, "we still have the League Inspection ahead of us. I urge those of you who are slated to battle to prepare diligently. Our Elite Four members are all dual-typed, so expect formidable challenges."
"Thirdly," Ash adds, a note of authority in his voice, "Mr. Goodshow has entrusted me with the authority of the PLA even before the League Inspection commences. The PLA will be integrated into the RPA for smoother operations and coordination."
"Fourthly," Ash's gaze hardens as he speaks, "the murderer's punishment will be executed as planned. I hope to see all of you present for this pivotal moment."
"And last but certainly not least," Ash's expression softens as he glances at Alice, "Alice and I, being engaged, wish to celebrate our love with a proper wedding ceremony. Your presence and support would mean the world to us."
A round of applause and nods of agreement fill the air, signaling the guests' understanding and readiness for the significant events to come. They know that after this night, the course of history is bound to take a transformative turn.
I'll end this chapter, as you can see, Ash is not guilty anymore, and still, I have to apologize to Amourshipping fans, I really like Amourshipping as well, but not in this story. I hope you like this chapter.