Chapter 8

After the wedding, Ash and Alice find themselves inside the PLA building, the atmosphere far more somber than the celebration earlier. Mr. Goodshow, now seated in a wheelchair, greets them with a warm smile.

"First of all, congratulations on the wedding, Ash, Alice," Goodshow says, his voice tinged with both joy and weariness.

"Thanks, Mr. Goodshow," Ash replies, bowing his head slightly. "Sorry we didn't invite you. We wanted to keep it as secret as possible, though I'm sure the other Champions have already filled you in."

"Indeed," Goodshow nods. "I was informed about the secret Team Alpha meeting that took place during the wedding as well. I assume you're aware of the latest developments?"

"Yeah," Alice says, her expression darkening. "The governments are painting us as the villains and are recruiting trainers to 'stop' us. They're either blinded by their own propaganda or too scared to act."

Ash crosses his arms, determination etched on his face. "The only ones who can truly save them are Team Alpha. We've been using technology from Macro Cosmos and the RPA Company to create artificial barriers, setting up our own strongholds. Eighteen towns and cities are now under our command, and most of the Champions are on our side, except for the Unova Champion. But that's a temporary problem—Rosa, the winner of this year's Unova League and one of our members, is poised to defeat the Elite Four and the Champion. Once she does, we'll have the Unova League on our side as well."

Goodshow looks at them with admiration. "You've accomplished so much already. But there's another reason I called you here." He pauses, letting the gravity of his next words sink in. "I'm retiring, and I want to appoint you, Ash, as the new Chairman of the PLA."

Ash gasps, his eyes widening in shock. "Me? As the new Chairman of the PLA? But why me? Cynthia, Steven, even my dad—they all seem like better candidates for the role. Why choose me?"

Goodshow's eyes gleam with wisdom as he responds. "I've reviewed your record, Ash, and your dedication to your gym battles and your unwavering resolve make you the most fitting candidate for this position. You're also Arceus' Chosen One, which means you understand what's truly at stake and what's best for the world."

Ash hesitates, the weight of the responsibility pressing down on him. "Even if we plan to declare war on the governments? We've scheduled the declaration for seven days from now."

Goodshow nods, his expression firm. "You're doing this to save the people and Pokémon of the world. With the PLA under your leadership, you'll have a stronger position to gain allies and fight for the cause."

Ash takes a deep breath, the gravity of the situation settling in. "Very well," he agrees, his voice resolute.

The handover is conducted in secret, with every precaution taken to ensure that no reporters or spies catch wind of the truth. As the new Chairman of the PLA, Ash knows that the road ahead will be fraught with challenges, but he is ready to lead the fight for a better world.

Once their meeting is concluded, Ash and Alice board a private plane bound for Sevestar Island. Once a remote location, Sevestar has now been transformed into a thriving region thanks to the efforts of Adam, Team Alpha, and the Legendary Pokémon, who worked together to create various habitats and structures for both humans and Pokémon.

Now seated in the government building on Sevestar Island, the four of them—Ash, Alice, Adam, and Aurora—discuss the matters concerning the newly established region. Aurora beams with pride as she addresses her son. "I'm really proud of you, Ash. To think you've been chosen as the successor to lead the PLA."

Ash nods, still processing the enormity of his new role. "I wasn't expecting to become the head of the PLA either. But with the PLA's support, Sevestar is now officially recognized as a region, with all the necessary procedures in place."

"That's great news," Adam says, his tone serious but encouraging. "Ash, for Sevestar to truly thrive, we'll need to appoint a Champion. Are you sure you're ready to take on that responsibility?"

Ash's eyes flash with determination. "Absolutely. I've worked hard to prove myself worthy of the position. And as part of my decision, I'm resigning as the Alola Champion. Lillie will make a better Champion for Alola than I ever could."

Adam nods in agreement. "She's proven herself capable, even though she lost to you in the Champion match last year. She's grown a lot since then. So, what's your next move?"

"We're heading to the Hall of Origin," Alice replies. "Arceus has summoned us for a meeting."

Aurora smiles, her eyes filled with warmth. "Take care of yourselves, both of you."

With that, Ash and Alice leave the government building, ready to journey to the Hall of Origin, where they will meet Arceus and continue to shape the future of their world.

After arriving at the Hall of Origin, Ash takes out the Azure Flute and begins to play a hauntingly beautiful melody. As the notes fill the air, a staircase of shimmering light materializes before them, leading upward.

Alice looks at the staircase with a hint of concern. "We won't fall if we step on these, right?"

Ash squeezes her hand reassuringly, his voice gentle. "Don't worry, my love. They're safe." Together, they ascend the staircase, their hands intertwined, until they reach the top where Arceus stands waiting for them.

"It's nice to see you again, Prince Ash and Princess Alice," Arceus greets them, bowing gracefully. She has taken on a human form, and Alice flinches while Ash scowls, both startled by her appearance. Arceus looks almost exactly like Alice, the only difference being her attire, which is reminiscent of Arceus's divine form.

"Arceus, why are you disguising yourself as my wife?" Ash asks, his tone edged with confusion and concern.

Arceus smirks slightly. "This has been my human form for thousands of years. If anything, it's a testament to how special your wife is, that she shares my appearance."

Alice blushes slightly, but Arceus quickly shifts the conversation. "Enough about that. You're here because of the task I've given you, correct?"

"Yes," Ash confirms, his voice steady. "We're here for your instructions. In seven days, we'll declare war on the nine corrupt governments that plague this world. We need to know how to prepare for the upcoming battle."

Arceus nods, her expression serious. "As of now, there are 1,025 Pokémon resting across the world, including myself. Of those, 542 belong to evolution families, while others do not evolve. When you go to war, these Pokémon will appear by your side, ready to aid you and become your allies."

Ash's eyes widen in shock. "Wait, you're saying 542 Pokémon want to be my Pokémon? Arceus, you know that Pokémon aren't weapons; they're beings with lives and emotions, just like us humans. Why are you asking me to do this?"

Arceus's gaze softens, though her voice remains firm. "Because it is your fate, Ash. And remember, there are more than 542 when you consider form differences and other factors. But you don't need to worry about finding them."

Suddenly, a soft glow emanates from Ash and Alice's hands, revealing the Arceus mark etched into their skin. Alice looks at her hand, bewildered. "What is this?"

"This mark will help you find the Pokémon you need," Arceus explains. "All of your Pokémon, whether captured or not, will bear the same mark. This will allow you to find and summon them with ease."

Ash takes a deep breath, trying to process the magnitude of what he's being told. "I see... That will definitely make things easier. Thank you, Arceus."

Arceus then shows them her own hand, where the same mark glows softly. "It seems I bear the mark as well, which means I am destined to become your Pokémon."

Ash and Alice gasp, the realization hitting them hard. With Arceus by their side, their chances of winning the war are significantly bolstered. Arceus produces a white Poké Ball, unlike any they've seen before.

"Every Legendary Pokémon has its own unique Poké Ball," Arceus explains. "That's why they cannot be captured by ordinary means. I'll be giving mine to you. Whenever you need my help, simply call on me through this ball, and I'll be there."

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Ash and Alice bow deeply. "Thank you very much, Lord Arceus."

After Ash takes the Poké Ball, both he and Alice find themselves back in Pallet Town. As they arrive, Adam and Aurora bow respectfully to them, acknowledging their return. Ash steps forward, showing the Arceus icon that now marks his hand. "Dad, the mission was a success."

Adam smiles proudly. "Congratulations, Ash, Alice. I take it you managed to bring Arceus onto your team?"

"Yes, Father Adam," Alice replies, her voice filled with both pride and resolve. "Arceus also informed us that we need to find 542 or more Pokémon to complete the task."

Aurora, her gaze warm and encouraging, nods. "That sounds like a daunting challenge, but both of you are strong aura users and well-trained warriors. I have no doubt you'll be able to accomplish this difficult task."

Ash nods thoughtfully and then asks, "Mom, Dad, did you also face this challenge in the past?"

Adam's expression grows serious as he responds. "Yes, Ash. I faced this challenge from Arceus herself and successfully completed it. The mark you now bear was the reason Team Rocket sent your mother to assassinate me in the first place. However, after we married, Arceus bestowed the mark upon your mother as well, allowing her to undertake the same mission. But as you can see, after we retired as leaders of Team Alpha and passed the mantle to you, the marks disappeared from our hands."

Aurora adds, "The marks also vanished from our Pokémon, though the mark itself isn't as important when it comes to our normal Pokémon."

Alice listens intently, absorbing the weight of their words. "I see…"

Ash then turns to his siblings, his mind shifting to the ongoing efforts. "By the way, how are the negotiations with the Unova, Galar, and Paldea Champions?"

Golly steps forward, providing an update. "In Galar, with Chairman Rose's assistance, Leon has decided to support Team Alpha against the Galar Government. As for Paldea, not only do we have the approval of Ms. Geeta of the Pokémon League, but we've also secured the support of Naranja Academy."

Ash nods with a knowing smile. "I'm not surprised. Director Clavell and I have been good friends for a long time. But what about the Unova Region? How is Rosa progressing?"

Mark speaks up, his voice filled with excitement. "She's just defeated Marshal, the final member of the Elite Four. Now, she's preparing to face Iris."

Ash smiles at the thought of Rosa's determination. "And after my retirement as Alola Champion, Lillie has taken up the mantle. I was surprised when Gladion lost to her, but it just goes to show how hard Lillie has worked to earn this title."

Alice steps forward, her voice steady and filled with hope. "Once we secure all nine leagues… the PLA will be whole again."

In the Unova Region, Ash's former travel companions gather to watch Iris's intense battle against Rosa. The atmosphere is charged with excitement as Rosa, down to her last Pokémon, commands, "Walrein! Use Blizzard!"

The powerful ice attack surges forward, striking Haxorus with full force and finally knocking it out. Iris watches as her trusted Pokémon falls, her shoulders slumping slightly. "Aghhhh... I did my best, but we lost..." she mutters, recalling Haxorus into its Poké Ball.

Max, watching from the sidelines, nods in admiration. "That Rosa is really strong. It was an interesting match, but her strategy was great."

"Indeed," Brock agrees, his eyes still fixed on the battlefield. "This was a truly great match."

Iris takes a deep breath, and then a smile breaks across her face. "I'm upset I couldn't win! But you know what? More than that, I'm happy! I mean, come on. By having a serious battle like that, you and your Pokémon, and me and my Pokémon—we all got to know each other better than ever before! Yep, we sure did! OK, let's go!"

With renewed energy, Iris leads Rosa to the Hall of Fame, where Rosa's Pokémon are officially registered as the new Unova Champions.

After the ceremony, Iris returns to her group, letting out a deep sigh. "Looks like I'm not the Champion anymore."

Clemont steps forward, offering a reassuring smile. "That's okay. You gave a great battle, and that's what really matters. Plus, now we'll have more time to search for Ash and finally ask him about the wedding."

Iris brightens at the thought. "You're right. And besides, I have a feeling our paths will cross with Ash again soon. We just need to be ready."

The group shares a collective nod, their resolve strengthened by the anticipation of reuniting with Ash and discovering more about the mysterious events that have unfolded. Rosa smirks as she pulls out her phone and dials a number. "This is Rosa Grey. I've become the Champion as you ordered."

The group flinches, startled by her words. On the other end of the line, a familiar voice replies. "Good. As expected from one of the best battlers of the Grey Family. I'm sure your parents and your brother would be proud of your achievement."

Goh's eyes widen in shock. "That... that was Ash's voice..."

Misty gasps, her mind racing. "Does that mean Ash wanted her to take Iris' title?"

Rosa's expression remains cold as she continues the conversation. "So, what's the next mission? And you realize there are some uninvited listeners eavesdropping on our conversation, right, Ash?"

Ash's voice remains calm and controlled. "They won't be able to interfere. A person who cannot sacrifice everything cannot change anything. Remember our goal?"

"I won't forget the goal, don't worry," Rosa replies, ending the call. As she turns to leave, Iris grabs her arm, her voice filled with urgency. "Ash! Was that you on the phone?"

Rosa jerks her arm away, her expression unyielding. "What are you doing? That hurts, you know."

Ash's voice comes through the phone once more. "It's fine, Rosa. Let me talk to them."

Rosa holds up the phone to the group, and Ash's voice echoes through the room. "I never thought we'd meet again like this. I suggest you leave my true friend alone."

Goh steps forward, his voice laced with hurt. "What do you mean 'true friend'? We're your friends too, Ash!"

"Yeah, what's your goal in having Rosa take Iris' Champion title?" Sophocles demands.

Ash's tone remains distant. "Everything will be revealed in six days. There's something I need the help of all the Champions for. I know none of you will support me, so I've had to take drastic measures."

"Who said we wouldn't help?" Iris asks, her voice tinged with desperation.

Ash's reply is curt. "After what happened a few days ago, I doubt it. That's all I have to say."

Rosa ends the call without another word, her expression unreadable as she walks away, leaving the group in stunned silence.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the phone, Ash lies in bed with Alice by his side, both of them half-naked. Alice, resting her head on Ash's chest, asks, "So they were all there to protest?"

Ash sighs, his fingers tracing patterns on her skin. "Yeah. I'm not sure if they're just naive or if they lose all sense when faced with something they don't understand." His hand moves to a sensitive spot, causing Alice to let out a soft whine. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

Alice smirks at him, her eyes gleaming with mischief. Without another word, they move closer, their bodies entwined as they share an intimate moment, careful to keep their voices low so as not to wake anyone else.

Here is a new chapter, and Ash is now the new Chairman of PLA, and he also manages to make all the Champions on his side. What is going to happen next? I hope you like this chapter.