Chapter 3
The forest envelops the young girl, its ancient trees towering overhead like protective sentinels. She moves with a sense of purpose, her steps cautious yet determined as she navigates the verdant labyrinth. Her attire, a crisp white hoodie paired with a short skirt, lends her an air of innocence amidst the emerald canopy. Each stride is punctuated by the soft crunch of fallen leaves under her plain white sneakers, complemented by ankle-length socks peeking out demurely. A pink backpack, slung casually over one shoulder, adds a splash of color to her ensemble, contrasting with her sun-kissed blond hair elegantly tied in a ponytail.
Beside her, a Vulpix with fur as pristine as freshly fallen snow pads silently, its amber eyes reflecting the girl's frustrations and fears. "This is awful... I can't find my way out of this forest," she mutters, her voice a mixture of annoyance and trepidation, the words hanging in the dense air like a whispered plea for guidance.
As if in response to her distress, four figures materialize from the shadows, their presence ominous against the backdrop of nature's serenity. The Vulpix bristles, a low growl rumbling deep in its throat, a silent warning to these intruders of the danger they court. "W-Who are you?" the girl stammers, her voice betraying her unease, eyes wide as she takes in the unfamiliar faces that now stand before her.
"Who we are doesn't matter. What matters is that you are ours to do with as we see fit," declares the man who exudes an air of authority among the group.
Sensing the imminent threat, the white Vulpix leaps from the girl's arms, its fur shimmering like frozen diamonds as it unleashes an Icy Wind toward the menacing figures. However, the leader reacts swiftly, calling forth a Magmortar, its fiery presence contrasting sharply with the wintry attack. "Use Flamethrower!" the leader commands, his voice cutting through the tension as the Magmortar obediently unleashes a torrent of controlled flames that cut through the icy onslaught, making direct contact with the Vulpix and sending it tumbling to the forest floor, unconscious.
"Vulpix!" The girl's cry is filled with anguish and desperation as she catches her beloved Pokémon just before it hits the ground, her heart racing with worry and fear for her companion.
"You're all alone now, darling," the leader taunts, his tone dripping with greed and malice as he closes in, his intentions clear and ominous.
"HHHHEELLLPPPP!" Her voice echoes through the trees, a desperate plea for salvation, the sound carrying both fear and hope, praying that someone, anyone, will come to her aid in this dire moment of need.
As Ash and his siblings traverse the forest, a distant cry pierces the tranquility around them, prompting Trenor to inquire, "What was that?"
"It sounds like someone's calling for help," Minami observes, her voice tinged with concern.
Recognizing the urgency in the cry, Ash's instincts kick in, and he swiftly identifies the voice as belonging to Lillie. Without hesitation, he darts toward the source of the distress, his siblings following closely behind.
As they burst onto the scene, Ash's eyes widen in shock and anger. Four men have pinned a girl to the forest floor, one of them attempting to strip away her dignity, while a white Pokémon lies unconscious nearby.
"No one is coming to save you," boasts the leader of the group, a triumphant sneer playing on his lips.
"Are you sure about that?" Ash's voice cuts through the tension, drawing everyone's attention to his sudden arrival.
The men turn to face Ash, their expressions shifting from arrogance to surprise as they see him accompanied by Pikachu, the electric Pokémon crackling with energy. "And who might you be?" the leader challenges, his confidence faltering as he commands his Magmortar to unleash a Flamethrower attack.
"Block it with Iron Tail! Then use Thunderbolt to knock them out!" Ash commands with a steely resolve, Pikachu responding instantly to its trainer's orders. With a swift flick of its tail, Pikachu intercepts the searing flames, using the Iron Tail technique to deflect the attack and then unleashing a powerful Thunderbolt that courses through the air, incapacitating the assailants in a dazzling display of electricity.
While Ash and Pikachu neutralize the threat, Mark and the other siblings spring into action, swiftly securing the men to nearby trees, ensuring they pose no further danger to anyone else.
"Lillie! Are you okay?" Ash rushes to Lillie's side, concern etched across his features as he sees her cradling the unconscious Snowy.
Lillie looks up, her eyes wide with relief and gratitude. "Ash! Pikachu!" she exclaims, a mixture of surprise and joy coloring her trembling voice.
Without hesitation, Ash envelops her in a comforting embrace, his worry dissipating slightly now that he knows she's safe, at least for the moment. Meanwhile, Minami notices the injured Vulpix and reacts swiftly, calling forth her Hatterene with a determined expression. "This is not good. Hatterene, come on out and use Life Dew," she commands, her voice firm yet filled with compassion.
Minami's Hatterene materializes with a gentle glow, its soothing presence radiating as it performs the healing move, restoring Vulpix to a healthier state. Ash, still holding onto Lillie, turns his attention back to her, concern evident in his voice. "Lillie, what are you doing here? Are you hurt?"
Lillie takes a deep breath, trying to steady her trembling form as she recounts her harrowing experience. "Well... I... I was kidnapped from my home," she begins, her voice quivering with the weight of the ordeal she's been through. "But I managed to escape. This forest is like a maze, and those were the kidnappers. They were about to kidnap me again if it wasn't for you and Pikachu..." Her words trail off, a mixture of shock, fear, and gratitude coloring her expression as she looks at Ash and his Pokémon, her saviors in the nick of time.
"This is the United Region, a place plagued by corruption within its 18 kingdoms," Mark elaborates, his tone grave as he sheds light on the region's tumultuous state. "So you know her, Brother?"
"Yes, this is Lillie," Ash confirms with a nod, a fond smile touching his lips despite the seriousness of the situation. "She was my classmate back in the Alola Trainer's School. And this is her Vulpix, Snowy, who she hatched from an egg and her first Pokémon."
"Lillie, these are my siblings," Ash continues, gesturing to each of them in turn. "Mark, Minami, Insey, Golly, and Trenor."
As each sibling offers their greetings and welcomes Lillie into their midst, she can't help but feel surprised by the revelation. "I never knew you had siblings, Ash," she remarks, a hint of astonishment in her voice.
"That's because we've been living under the radar," Golly interjects, his expression serious as he explains the gravity of their situation. "The United Region has been relentless in sending armies to eliminate us. According to a prophecy, Brother Ash is destined to become the new ruler of this United Region. But first, he must dismantle the corrupted governments of the 18 kingdoms and restore prosperity to the land."
Lillie's eyes widen in disbelief at the magnitude of what she's just heard. "You? A leader? Dealing with corrupted governments?" she murmurs incredulously. "This is too much information to process..." Her voice trails off, a mix of confusion and concern evident on her face as she tries to make sense of the revelation.
"Anyway, this is not a safe place, and we don't know when those people are going to wake up. Let's go to our hideout," Ash suggests urgently, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any signs of movement from the subdued attackers. Together, they make their way deeper into the forest, searching for a secluded cave that can provide temporary shelter and safety.
Once they find a suitable hiding spot, Ash wastes no time in contacting Gladion, who is currently at the Aether Foundation with their parents, anxiously inquiring about Lillie's whereabouts.
"Lillie! You're safe!" Lusamine exclaims with relief as she sees her daughter, her joy palpable in the air. "I'm so glad you're okay!"
"Mom, you're embarrassing me again," Lillie responds with a shy smile, her cheeks flushing slightly at the attention. "If it wasn't for Ash, I would have continued to be kidnapped. It seems I was taken to the United Region."
"The United Region?" Mohn's voice reflects his shock and concern. "That region is the most closed off and dangerous area... I can't believe the kidnappers would take you there of all places."
Ash interjects solemnly, "And that's precisely why we need to eliminate the corruption there. The United Region was meant for my family to govern, but 18 greedy governments rose up and betrayed my ancestor, plunging the region into chaos."
Gladion, considering the situation carefully, speaks up, "We'll send a helicopter to bring Lillie back. It's too risky for her to get involved in this dangerous mission."
However, Lillie surprises everyone with her determination. "No, Gladion. I am going to help Ash. Besides, sending a helicopter here is too conspicuous and might draw unwanted attention."
"Lillie, what are you talking about? You can't involve yourself in this perilous task," Lusamine gasps, her concern evident in her voice as she realizes the gravity of the situation.
"Well, sorry, but I'm already involved the moment they kidnapped me from my house. So it seems to be my destiny to help Ash out of this mess. Don't worry, I trust Ash to keep me safe from any dangers," Lillie asserts with determination, her resolve unwavering despite the risks.
The Aether Family can only sigh, understanding the gravity of the situation. Gladion, with a hint of concern in his voice, addresses Ash solemnly. "Ash... if Lillie gets hurt... you know what is going to happen."
"Hurt is unavoidable, but I promise to do my utmost to ensure her safety," Ash replies earnestly, his determination matching Lillie's resolve.
After the call with Gladion ends, Lillie turns to the group, her curiosity piqued. "So what's the plan now?"
"We're going to meet up with a family who's agreed to assist us, and from there, we'll delve into gathering information about the corruption within the 18 kingdoms," Trenor explains, outlining their immediate course of action.
As they emerge from their hiding spot, the group quickly decides to stay on the move, keenly aware of the dangers lurking around them. However, their plans are interrupted by a sudden yell that pierces through the forest's quietude. "There they are! Get them!" The urgent cry signals the approach of soldiers from the Viridale Region, their hostile intent clear as they charge toward Ash and his companions.
Without hesitation, Ash reaches for a Cherish Ball, his voice resolute as he commands, "Ogerpon! I choose you!"
In a burst of light, Ogerpon materializes from the Poké Ball, its formidable presence instantly commanding attention. Ash wastes no time, swiftly producing the Hearthflame Mask and instructing Ogerpon, "Now, adjust your mask and go for the Ivy Cudgel!"
With a powerful swing of the cudgel, Ogerpon slams it into the ground, unleashing a torrent of flames that erupt into a blazing inferno, creating a barrier that halts the soldiers' advance in its tracks. Seizing the opportunity, Ash shouts, "Now is our chance! Let's go!"
As they make a swift escape, Lillie's curiosity gets the better of her. "What kind of Pokémon was that?" she asks, her eyes wide with wonder and intrigue.
"That was Ogerpon, a Legendary Pokémon from Kitakami," Ash explains, his voice tinged with pride. "I'll tell you more about it once we arrive at the family's location. Right now, our priority is getting to safety." His words carry a sense of urgency, knowing that their journey ahead is fraught with peril and uncertainty.
Here is the third chapter, and the next chapter will be talking about the corruption of each kingdom.