Chapter 9
The day Ash is going to reveal himself is fast approaching, and he's sweating bullets. Aurora and Alice stand beside him, their presence a comforting anchor in the storm of his nerves. "Are you sure I can become the leader you want me to be?" Ash asks, doubt creeping into his voice. "I've only been with Team Alpha for a few months."
Aurora smiles, her eyes warm with confidence. "Of course, you can. I'm certain of it. Just remember to relax, just like I've taught you."
"Yes, Mother," Ash replies, his voice steadier now, as he exchanges a glance with Alice.
As they walk away together, Alice speaks softly, "Ash, no matter what happens, you're not alone. I'll be by your side."
Ash nods, the weight of her words settling in his chest. "Of course. And being in the Sevestar Region means the governments can't attack us immediately." With that, he steels himself and heads towards the waiting reporter.
At the same time, Ash's former travel companions are gathered in Cerise's Lab, a heavy cloud of sadness hanging over them. Two things weigh on their minds: the missed opportunity to witness Ash and Alice's wedding, and the shocking way Ash had Rosa take Iris's Champion title.
"I still don't get why Ash and Alice wouldn't let us attend the wedding ceremony…" Max murmurs, frustration evident in his voice.
"And how dare he take my Champion title… I would have helped him if he'd asked!" Iris exclaims, her fists clenched in anger.
Bonnie frowns, her voice tinged with hurt. "Do they really not see us as friends anymore because of what we said?"
"Just because he tried to kill people… do we really have to brand him as a monster? He was protecting us from Team Rocket," Brock adds, his tone conflicted.
"I don't know… maybe we never really knew the real Ash after all," May says softly, doubt flickering in her eyes.
Suddenly, the TV screen flickers, and there he is—Ash, dressed in the same clothes he wore in Galar.
"People of the nine regions, my name is Ash Ketchum, and I have news to share with you," Ash announces, his voice steady and resolute.
"Is that Ash? Why is he on TV?" Kiawe asks, eyes wide with surprise.
"I don't know… let's see what he's going to say," Chloe replies, her gaze fixed on the screen.
Much to the Sinnoh government's dismay, they find themselves unable to cut off the broadcast, the announcement playing on every TV in the Sinnoh Region.
"A week ago, I married Alice, the famous idol and top coordinator who nearly became the Kalos Queen," Ash begins, his voice carrying through the screen with calm authority. "We invited a few guests to our wedding party, and we discussed some important plans. First of all, Mr. Goodshow has decided to retire as Chairman, and he has chosen me as his successor."
The announcement sends shockwaves through the audience, disbelief rippling through them. "Wait, what?" gasps ripple through the crowd as the reality of Mr. Goodshow's retirement sets in.
Ash continues, unperturbed by the rising commotion. "And with my new responsibilities as Chairman, I will be stepping down as the Champion of Alola. Lillie Aether will take my place as the new Champion, given that she nearly defeated me in our official Champion Title match."
Sophocles' eyes widen in shock. "What? Lillie is the new Champion? And Ash is the new Chairman of the PLA?"
"What in the world is going on?" Goh mutters, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events.
Ash's voice hardens as he delivers his next revelation. "As the new Chairman of the PLA, and with the support of the International Police, I have decided to reveal the most shocking truth to all of you. I am the Leader of Team Alpha."
The declaration hits like a thunderbolt, leaving everyone in stunned silence. The nine governments, who had long feared the power of Team Alpha, are now paralyzed with uncertainty. Ash's status as the World Champion renders them powerless to act.
"Ash… is the leader of Team Alpha?" Misty whispers, her voice trembling with disbelief.
"Is this some sort of joke?" Cilan asks, his voice shaking as he tries to process the information.
Ash presses on, his tone resolute. "The reason I invited only a few people to my wedding is that it wasn't just a wedding. Every guest there was a member of Team Alpha. Yes, we're a much larger organization than anyone realized. Many of you see us as an evil organization, and I won't deny that we do what we believe is necessary—even if that means being lawful evil. We've killed people—poachers, members of evil teams, and abusers—those we see as the scum that plagues the world. And now, that same scum sits within your governments, oppressing and exploiting people and Pokémon alike for their selfish desires. To free the victims, I declare that Team Alpha is declaring war on your governments!"
The world erupts into chaos, disbelief and fear spreading like wildfire.
"Ash is… declaring war?" Clemont stammers, his mind reeling. "This is so wrong on so many levels!"
Ash's voice remains steady as he continues his announcement. "As Chairman of the PLA, we have gained the approval of every Champion to assist Team Alpha in this war. And let me be clear—all the Legendary and Mythical Pokémon are under our command. We didn't force them to help us; saving them from scum has earned me their trust and permission to wield their strength. If you don't want to face their wrath, surrender is also an option."
He pauses briefly, letting the weight of his words settle in, before continuing. "Team Alpha has already conquered 18 cities and towns. In Kanto, we control Pallet and Celadon; in Johto, Olivine and Blackthorn; in Hoenn, Rustboro and Sootopolis; in Sinnoh, Twinleaf and Celestic; in Unova, Castelia and Aspertia; in Kalos, Laverre and Snowbelle; in Alola, Aether Paradise and Iki; in Galar, Motostoke and Hammerlocke; and in Paldea, Alfornada and Zapapico. These 18 locations are now locked down, and only those with permission will be allowed to enter. That is all I have to say."
As the broadcast ends, a heavy silence falls over the room. Everyone is struggling to process the enormity of what they've just heard.
"Why did they take over those 18 places?" Misty finally asks, her voice tinged with confusion. "What are they planning?"
"And why declare war? I know the government isn't kind to us, but they're going to drag innocent people into this…" Goh says, worry etched on his face.
"We need to get to Pallet Town and ask Ash and Alice about it," Clemont decides, his resolve firm as the others nod in agreement.
In the dimly lit conference room, tension crackles like electricity as the government leaders gather to discuss the unfolding crisis. Karl slams his fist on the table, his voice laced with frustration. "Damn Team Alpha… they're doing this just to mock us…"
"They clearly want to kill us and seize our power," William adds, his tone anxious. "What are we going to do? Should we attack them right now? Ash Ketchum has laid out the locations in each region."
"You fool!" Ryan snaps, his eyes narrowing in anger. "Did you forget you tried to have Giovanni and Team Rocket take care of him when he returned to Pallet Town? Look what happened—every one of them is dead, and now he's risen to become the Leader of Team Alpha. This is clearly revenge."
"And why are we so scared?" Jolyne interjects, her voice cutting through the tension. "We have the best military, and Team Alpha doesn't stand a chance against it."
"You're right, but there's another problem," Marie points out, her voice calm yet tinged with concern. "Besides Ash's family, who else is part of Team Alpha? What if we have spies on the inside?"
"That's a valid concern," Wanda agrees, nodding thoughtfully. "We must have all the Officer Jennies and the police search for any spies working for Team Alpha."
"You're right," Shielbert says, his agreement echoed by nods from the other leaders.
As Ash's former travel companions arrive at Pallet Town, they're immediately struck by the sight of a massive gate adorned with a giant Arceus ring logo. Chloe's brow furrows in confusion. "This wasn't here before…"
"I'm guessing it's to keep the government out," Goh speculates, scanning the imposing structure. "But how are we supposed to get past and meet Ash?"
Their thoughts are interrupted by a familiar voice. "What are you guys doing here?" They turn to see Gary approaching, his expression a mix of curiosity and caution.
"Gary? It's been a long time," Misty says, surprised to see him.
"Yeah, but what are you doing here?" Gary sighs, rubbing the back of his neck. "You know Team Alpha has taken over Pallet Town, and regular people aren't allowed in."
Max steps forward. "We just want to see Ash. He's here in Pallet Town, right?"
Gary nods slowly. "Both he and his wife are here. But I'm not sure we can let you in, especially since some of you are Gym Leaders working for the government, and we've got the Unova Champion here too."
"But… we're not with the government," Iris insists, her voice earnest. "All we want to do is talk to an old friend."
Gary hesitates, feeling something in his shirt. He pulls out a badge, causing a gasp from the group. "That's Team Alpha's Badge…" Mallow says, her voice trailing off in disbelief.
"Gary, you…" The realization dawns on them, and they can't believe Gary is actually a member of Team Alpha.
Gary speaks into a communicator, "This is Gary. I'm at the gate with some people who want to see you." After a brief pause, he turns back to the group. "Okay, follow me."
As the gate opens, they step inside and are immediately shocked by what Pallet Town has become. Everywhere they look, people are training their Pokémon, practicing with weaponry, and raising flags bearing the Team Alpha logo.
"What the… this is like some kind of military camp," Kiawe mutters, his eyes wide with disbelief.
When they finally arrive at Ash's house, Gary knocks on the door and leads them inside. They find Ash and Alice sitting comfortably on the sofa, watching television, with Pikachu resting peacefully on Alice's lap.
Ash notices them and stands up, his expression unreadable. "So you're either brave or foolish to come here."
"Ash, we need to talk," Brock says, his voice steady but filled with concern. "What made you declare war on nine regions?"
"And when did you become the Leader of Team Alpha? Don't you know they're bad people, just like Team Rocket?" Iris asks, her voice tinged with disbelief.
Ash's face remains impassive as he replies, "The things I do and the choices I make are all decided by my own free will. So what if the world thinks of us as bad people? They're not technically wrong, after all."
"You can't be serious!" Max exclaims, his eyes wide with shock. "You're being manipulated by the real leader of Team Alpha, right? Declaring war means you're going to get kids and innocents involved, even if they're on the other side!"
Alice hugs Pikachu closer, her voice cold as she adds, "So what if we are? Those people are just slaves under corrupt governments."
"Alice… not you too…" Bonnie gasps, her voice trembling with disbelief.
"If you're here to persuade us to stop the war, you're wasting your time," Ash says, his tone unwavering. "The world is changing, and we're going to be the ones to liberate it."
"Ash! What's happened to you?" Misty shouts in anger, her frustration boiling over as she lunges to throw a punch. But Ash dodges effortlessly, and with a swift motion, he counters, sending her crashing to the ground.
"Misty!" The others are stunned, their shock evident as they witness Ash's unexpected strength.
Ash stares down at them, his gaze cold and unyielding. "Do you know why I never fought back before when you threw punches? Because it wouldn't have been a fair fight."
Gary steps forward, a frown creasing his brow. "Ashy boy, aren't you being a little harsh on them?"
"They have to learn the harsh reality," Ash replies, his voice devoid of emotion. "And it's also to make sure they understand that we're not friends anymore. That way, the government won't be able to use them against me."
"Ash, what are you talking about? We're friends!" Brock insists, his voice filled with desperation.
"Who wants to be friends with a monster?" Ash's glare pierces through them, a chilling reminder of the words they once used against him. "Besides, everyone in Team Alpha is my friend now. You all would only hinder our plans to conquer the nine regions. That's why I had Rosa take your Champion title, Iris—so she, a crucial member of Team Alpha, could bring Unova to our side."
Max's face pales, his voice trembling with horror. "Are you telling me that the other Champions agree with the monstrous atrocities you're committing? Lance, Steven, Cynthia, Diantha, and even Leon—are you saying they also support what you're doing?"
"And what if they do?" Ash counters coldly. "You're all just people who know nothing about politics. I always wonder—if you didn't agree with Team Rocket, Team Galactic, or Team Plasma's actions, why did you bother helping me stop them?"
"Who said we agreed with their actions?" Bonnie retorts, her voice shaking with emotion. "We never did, but that doesn't mean we agree with what you're doing either."
"Oh really," Ash says, his tone icy and unyielding. "We declared war on the governments of the nine regions, the ones who are the real masterminds behind all the evil teams—Team Rocket, Team Flare, and those others you helped me stop. It's either join us or join them."
"But what you're doing is still wrong. Killing people and overtaking the government? That's insane!" May's voice trembles with disbelief.
"I don't have the luxury to worry about right or wrong," Ash sighs, his expression hardening. "You can't expect a horror story to have a happy ending. If you want to create your own side, go ahead. But remember this—if you stop us now, are you really content living under people like Team Rocket, Team Galactic, or Team Flare?"
"Is that all you have to say?" Misty asks, forcing herself to stand back up, defiance burning in her eyes. "That you want freedom just so you can hurt us?"
"If you can't accept it, then there's no point in continuing this conversation," Alice interjects, her voice sharp and final. "Gary, escort them out of Pallet Town. Ash and I need to speak with Dawn about the preparations in the Sinnoh Region."
"Okay," Gary replies, motioning for them to follow as he leads them out of the house. Chloe, still shaken, asks, "Gary, how many people are actually involved in this?"
"More than you think," Gary responds, his voice steady. "Nineteen families came together to found Team Alpha. Reisa's, Luke's, Dawn's, and Lillie's families are four of them. My family is one of them as well."
"But are you sure war is the best solution to this?" Max questions, his voice laced with doubt. "I still think it's wrong…"
"You'll have to accept it," Gary says firmly, guiding them out of Pallet Town and closing the gate behind them, sealing off the once-familiar town now shrouded in darkness.
Here is a new chapter, now Ash has declared everything to the world, what will happen next? I hope you like this chapter.