Chapter 26 Alola Leaders Gather

Ash and Lillie touch down on the familiar shores of Manalo Island, the tropical breeze rustling through the palm trees as the ocean's waves crash rhythmically against the white sand beaches. Pikachu hops down from Ash's shoulder, its eyes gleaming with excitement, while Lillie adjusts her hat, looking out over the familiar Alolan landscape.

"Feels like ages since we've been here," Lillie says, taking in the island's vibrant energy.

"Yeah," Ash agrees, his voice carrying a tone of determination. "But this time, we've got a lot more on our plate."

Ash reaches for his Rotom Phone and dials Professor Kukui's number. Within moments, Kukui's grinning face appears on the screen. "Alola, Ash! Long time no see, bruddah!"

"Alola, Professor!" Ash greets warmly but wastes no time getting to the point. "I need you to gather all the leaders—the Trial Captains, Kahunas, Elite Four, and anyone else you trust. I have something important to discuss with them."

Professor Kukui's smile fades slightly, sensing the gravity in Ash's tone. "Something big's going down, huh? Alright, leave it to me. I'll make sure everyone gets the message."

"Thanks, Professor," Ash replies before ending the call. He turns to Lillie. "We'll need everyone's help if we're going to take on the United Region. They deserve to know what we're up against."

Lillie nods, her resolve as strong as Ash's. "They won't hesitate to help, I'm sure of it."

As the day progresses, leaders from all over Alola begin to arrive. The Trial Captains—Ilima, Lana, Kiawe, Mallow, Sophocles, Acerola, and Mina—are the first to show up, gathering at Professor Kukui's house with their Pokémon by their side, looking eager but curious.

Next come the Kahunas—Hala, Olivia, Nanu, and Hapu—each one bringing the wisdom and strength of their respective islands. The Elite Four members, Molayne and Kahili, arrive shortly after, their eyes sharp with anticipation.

Finally, the Elite Trainers—Ryuki, Brian, Plumeria, Guzma, Lumi, Gladion, Lusamine, Mohn, Elio, and Selene, their presence alone radiating authority and experience. Lusamine and Mohn embrace Lillie, their faces full of warmth and relief to see her safe, while Gladion gives a subtle nod to his sister and Ash.

Kukui steps forward as the last of the group gathers. "Alright, Ash. Everyone's here."

Ash steps up, feeling the weight of so many leaders, friends, and allies staring at him, waiting for him to speak. He takes a deep breath, knowing that this is the moment they all need to come together.

Ash nods as everyone settles in. The air is tense, a quiet anticipation filling the room as all eyes fall on him. He takes a deep breath before addressing the group.

Mallow is the first to break the silence, her voice soft but concerned. "Ash, we saw the news. What was going on with the United Region? And… what do you mean you're declaring war against them?"

Ash sighs, knowing that this moment was coming. He steps forward, his face serious as he starts to explain. "As I mentioned, I am the Devil Prince—the heir to the United Region. My ancestor was betrayed by the 18 kingdoms, and since then, they've ruled with an iron fist. The people there are suffering under their tyranny, and it's up to me to end it."

Lillie steps in, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "To lure out Ash, they even kidnapped me and took me to the United Region. If it wasn't for Ash rescuing me, who knows what they would have done."

A gasp echoes through the room as everyone reacts to Lillie's words. Olivia steps forward, her usually calm demeanor giving way to concern. "You were kidnapped? Did they hurt you?"

"They were about to." Ash frowns, the memory still fresh in his mind. "They were willing to do whatever it took to draw me out. This isn't just about me, though. The United Region has been terrorizing its people, and this is something I can't ignore."

Ash pauses, his eyes scanning the room. "I'm not forcing any of you to help me. This is my fight, and I understand if you don't want to get involved. But I have to put an end to this."

Ash's words hang in the air, but they don't have to wait long for a response. Kiawe is the first to speak up, his voice firm and filled with resolve. "What are you talking about, Ash? You've saved Alola more times than I can count. Of course, we're going to help you."

Ilima nods in agreement, stepping forward with a determined look on his face. "Even though it's not technically our business, we're not going to let them keep hurting people like that."

Mallow folds her arms, her expression mirroring the fiery determination of the others. "So, what's the situation over there? What are we dealing with?"

Without saying a word, Ash nods to Lillie, who takes out her Rotom Phone. With a tap, she brings up the footage she recorded during her time in the United Region. As the group watches, the screen flickers with images of soldiers patrolling the streets, civilians suffering under harsh rules, and scenes of brutality that make everyone's blood run cold.

The room goes silent for a moment, the weight of the images settling in. Then, without warning, Guzma slams his fist against the table, his usual cocky demeanor replaced by anger. "Those scumbags! They think they can get away with this?!"

Plumeria is just as furious, clenching her fists. "This isn't some game. These people are monsters, and they need to be stopped."

The gravity of the situation hits everyone, their expressions turning from shock to determination as they realize just how dire things are in the United Region.

The room is still buzzing with anger when Brian, ever calm and analytical, speaks up. "Ash, you mentioned something about Team Alpha in your broadcast. What exactly is that? Who are they?"

Ash looks over at Brian, his expression softening slightly as he prepares to explain. "Team Alpha... they're the loyalists of the emperor of the United Region. They've been fighting against the kingdoms for generations, ever since my ancestor was betrayed. But over time, the team faded into obscurity."

Ash's voice drops as he continues, the weight of the situation evident. "My father was the last leader of Team Alpha… until he was killed. Right now, my mother is leading the team in his place."

A ripple of shock moves through the room, but before anyone can speak, Ash adds, "There's more. Professor Kukui's family and the Aether Family… they're also part of Team Alpha."

The silence that follows is deafening. Everyone looks toward Kukui and Lusamine, their eyes wide with surprise. Professor Kukui scratches the back of his head sheepishly, while Lusamine simply nods, her usual elegance masking any discomfort.

Mallow gasps, "Wait… you're saying Professor Kukui's family and Lillie's family are part of a secret group that's been fighting to take back the United Region this whole time?"

Kukui grins sheepishly. "Yeah, you could say that, bruddah."

Lusamine speaks up, her voice calm but firm. "It's true. The Aether Family has long supported the efforts of Team Alpha. We've been preparing for this for years, but now that Ash has come of age and accepted his destiny, the time has come to act."

After the initial shock subsides, the group regains their composure, and Hala steps forward. "So, what do we need to do? How can we prepare?"

Ash straightens up, his gaze steady as he addresses everyone. "There's a lot to prepare for. I'll need to attend meetings in the other regions to gather more allies, but while I'm gone, the most important thing for you all to do is train."

The Trial Captains and Kahunas exchange determined glances, ready for whatever comes next. Ash continues, his tone more serious. "There are 18 kingdoms, and we won't always be able to stay together. Each kingdom will have different tactics and challenges. You need to be ready to act on your own if necessary."

Professor Kukui steps up beside Ash, a rare seriousness on his face. "Ash is right. The soldiers of those kingdoms won't just rely on Pokémon battles. They'll do anything to win, and that means using more than just Pokémon. You'll need to be prepared for anything."

Lusamine nods in agreement. "That's why the Aether Family and Professor Kukui will be helping you train in dodging skills. These soldiers won't fight fair. You'll need to learn how to avoid their tricks and stay on your feet when things get rough."

Ash glances around the room, seeing the resolve in everyone's eyes. "This won't be like any fight you've been in before. They're ruthless. But if we stick together and stay strong, we can take them down."

As the meeting begins to wrap up, Professor Kukui steps forward with a smile. "Before we call it a day, there are a few people I'd like to introduce. I think you'll want to get to know them, especially since you'll be working together in the coming days."

Ash and Lillie exchange curious glances as Kukui gestures to a young man standing quietly in the back, who had earlier asked about Team Alpha. "First, this is Brian. He specializes in Psychic-type Pokémon and has been interning at the Aether Foundation."

Brian steps forward, offering a small nod. "Nice to meet you both. I've heard a lot about you, Ash." His tone is calm, though there's a sharp intelligence behind his gaze. "I'm looking forward to helping out in whatever way I can."

Ash grins and nods back. "Same here, Brian. We'll need all the help we can get."

Next, Kukui turns to a girl with white hair and an icy demeanor. "This is Lumi. She specializes in Ice-type Pokémon and lives up on Mt. Lanakila."

Lumi gives a brief nod, her arms crossed over her chest. "It's cold up there, but it keeps me focused." There's a chill in her voice, but Ash can sense the strength beneath it. "I'm not one for big meetings, but I'll do my part."

Ash smiles. "Glad to have you on board, Lumi."

Finally, Kukui introduces a pair of siblings standing together—one of them Ash recognizes from recent news about the Alola League. "And these two are Elio and Selene. Selene won the Alola League this year and was preparing for the Elite Four. Elio has been busy taking on jobs to earn money."

Selene steps forward, a confident smile on her face. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Ash. I've been training hard for the Elite Four, but if this is more important, count me in."

Elio, standing beside her, gives a relaxed wave. "I've been doing a bit of everything to keep us going, but I'm ready for a real challenge."

Ash shakes their hands, feeling the energy and determination from the new faces. "It's great to meet all of you. I'm looking forward to fighting alongside you."

With introductions complete, the group begins to disperse, the weight of the upcoming battles hanging in the air, but also a sense of unity as they prepare for what's ahead.

As the group begins to disperse, Mallow and Lana exchange knowing glances before sidling up to Ash and Lillie. Mallow smirks playfully, nudging Lillie. "So, Ash saved you like a prince rescuing a princess, huh? Are you two… at that level now?"

Lana grins mischievously, leaning in. "Yeah, you two make a pretty cute pair. What's the deal?"

Lillie's face flushes red instantly, and she stammers, trying to find the words. "W-Well, I mean, Ash really did save me, and… um…"

Ash scratches the back of his head awkwardly, glancing at Lillie with a slight blush creeping up his face.

Finally, after a few more moments of flustered silence, Lillie gathers her courage and admits, her voice soft but clear, "We… we really are in a relationship."

Mallow gasps excitedly, and Lana chuckles. "I knew it!" Mallow teases. "You two are adorable together."

Ash and Lillie share a glance, both embarrassed but smiling, their relationship no longer a secret among their close friends. Ash mentioning, "Well, thanks, but right now we have other business to do, if you don't mind, we have to leave for Kanto for the next meeting."

The others nod as they use Aether Foundation's helicopter to head to the Kanto Region.

Here is a new chapter, and in this, we have done with the trainers of the Alola Region. I hope you like it and the next chapter will be the Kanto leaders.