Chapter 26 The Gathering

In the heart of Team Alpha's base, a sprawling underground fortress alive with flickering torches and buzzing energy, trainers from all walks of life gathered. Some wore the telltale signs of experience, faces hardened from years of battles. Others were younger, driven by idealism and the hope of a new future under Ash's leadership. All eyes were on the stage, where Ash Ketchum, the heir to Team Alpha and the prophesied "Devil Prince," stood with a quiet strength that radiated through the room.

Ash took a deep breath, letting his gaze sweep across the assembled trainers. The gravity of his words settled heavily on his shoulders, but his voice was steady and clear.

"Thank you all for being here," he began, his voice echoing in the silence. "You've gathered here because, like me, you've seen the suffering inflicted by the 18 kingdoms of the United Region. These rulers… they hold our people in chains, using fear to keep them in line. But we—each one of us—stand here because we believe in something greater. We believe in a world where Pokémon and people can live without fear, without tyranny."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the crowd as Ash's words resonated with each trainer. He paused, letting his words sink in before continuing.

"Team Alpha was founded with one goal: freedom. My father gave his life for this cause, and I intend to honor his legacy by fighting for that same vision. But I can't do this alone. I need each of you to fight by my side—not just with strength, but with the courage to stand up for what's right. Together, we'll be stronger than any kingdom, more powerful than any ruler."

A surge of determination swelled in the crowd, eyes gleaming with resolve. Ash raised his fist high. "This is our fight. This is our future. Let's take back our world—together!"

Ash took a step closer to the edge of the stage, his voice still strong but with a new, urgent tone. The weight of the coming war was in his every word, and the crowd hung on each one.

"Now that you've all gathered under Team Alpha, it's time to talk about how we're going to win this fight," Ash began, his gaze fierce and unyielding. "We're up against 18 kingdoms, each one entrenched in its own power and prepared to defend it. To take them on, we'll need to be smart, coordinated, and ruthless—but only to our enemies."

He nodded at the large map unfurled behind him, where each kingdom was marked. "To make this work, we're splitting into 20 groups. Eighteen groups will head directly to each kingdom, attacking from the inside and the outskirts. Your job will be to hit fast and hard, to let them know we mean business. Each kingdom has its own strengths and resources, so be prepared to adapt and think on your feet. This isn't going to be easy—but that's why we have each other."

Ash then pointed to the areas marked in red, signaling danger zones. "The nineteenth group will stay here. You're our backup, our reserve. If any group gets into trouble, you're the ones who'll come to their aid. You'll have the strongest communication links, and your job is to be ready at a moment's notice. Any signs of retreat from the enemy, any chances for surprise attacks, will depend on you."

He glanced over at Lillie, who stood nearby with a calm but determined expression. "And the final group will stay with Lillie and me. As rulers, it's essential we remain protected. We're the faces of this resistance, and while we're not here to hide behind you, our safety is a priority. If the enemy takes either of us out, they'll claim a symbolic victory, and we can't let that happen."

The trainers nodded in understanding. Ash's words had the ring of truth, and they could feel the weight of this monumental task.

"Now, about the people," Ash continued, his tone becoming more solemn. "The innocent civilians in these kingdoms have suffered enough. They've been terrorized, manipulated, and used. We're not here to add to their pain. Team Alpha fights for freedom and justice, and we can't become like the very tyrants we're fighting against. Avoid harming the innocents—they're not our enemies. If we come down on them, we'll only be pushing them closer to the kingdoms' rule, and that's the opposite of what we want."

There was a murmur of agreement through the crowd. Ash's empathy and vision for a better future resonated deeply with the trainers.

"But don't think for a second that our enemies will hold back. These soldiers, these rulers—they play dirty. They'll do whatever it takes to keep their power, and they won't hesitate to kill if it means crushing our cause." He let his words hang in the air for a moment, then went on. "So we're prepared to match them. Our Pokémon are our partners in this fight, and they'll be on the front lines. But if things get critical, if your lives or the lives of your fellow fighters are in danger, you have my permission to use weapons. We're fighting a war, and sometimes that means doing things we're not proud of."

He took a deep breath, the weight of the decision clear in his expression. "This isn't just a battle of Pokémon. It's a battle of survival and freedom. We're going in with open eyes, ready to do what needs to be done."

Ash's gaze swept across the crowd one final time, seeing the resolve on their faces. "Now's the time to stand tall, to show that Team Alpha is stronger than any kingdom. Each of you has a vital role. Together, we'll free the United Region!"

As the crowd dispersed, Ash was met by familiar, friendly faces. Misty, Brock, May, Max, Dawn, Iris, Cilan, Clemont, Bonnie, Lana, Sophocles, Kiawe, Mallow, Goh, and Chloe pushed through to reach him, each grinning with relief and a bit of exasperation.

"Wow, Ash," Max said, folding his arms with a smirk. "You've really dragged us into a big one this time."

Brock chuckled beside her. "Yeah, Ash, this is more than just battling a few trainers or defending a city. We're talking about a full-scale revolution."

The others murmured in agreement, their expressions a mix of amusement, concern, and pride. They were glad to see him again, but the gravity of the situation was dawning on them. After all, they weren't just a small band of friends anymore; they were part of an army that included Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and even Champions from across the regions.

Ash rubbed the back of his neck, a sheepish smile on his face. "Yeah, I didn't expect this kind of turnout myself. I thought maybe one or two Gym Leaders would refuse, you know? But… well, everyone came. I guess the kingdoms' tyranny has left an impression on more than just us."

Lillie, standing by his side, nodded thoughtfully. "It just shows how much everyone wants change. They're here because they believe in what we're fighting for."

Misty couldn't help but chuckle, her teasing tone lightening the mood. "So, when you and Lillie become the rulers of the United Region, what's the first thing you're going to do?"

Ash grinned, his eyes filled with determination. "The first thing? We'll work to calm everyone down. They've been under the thumb of these tyrants for over a thousand years—brainwashed and manipulated. We have to help them heal, to show them what a life of freedom and peace can look like."

As Ash wrapped up with his friends, another group approached: Mark, Minami, Golly, Insey, Trenor, and Gladion. Ash's five siblings greeted his travel companions warmly, exchanging nods and handshakes. It was an unexpected sight for some, and Clemont couldn't hold back his surprise.

"When did you get five more siblings, Ash?" Clemont asked, adjusting his glasses with curiosity.

Ash chuckled, glancing over at his brothers and sisters. "They've been here a long time, fighting in the United Region. We've all been doing what we can against these kingdoms, especially since… well, since my dad passed. He was leading them here before all of this started."

Golly crossed her arms with a smirk. "But let's not pretend we're all just here to protect you, Ash. This isn't just about keeping you safe; it's about finishing what Dad started."

As the group exchanged glances, many began to leave, understanding the personal nature of the next steps. Soon, it was only May, Max, Dawn, Goh, and Chloe who remained, along with Ash's brother Mark and Gladion.

The tension eased as Lyra, Hilbert, Elio, Victor, and Juliana entered, rounding out the group for the first individual meeting. Everyone settled in, eyes on Ash as they prepared to discuss their next critical moves in the battle for the United Region.

As the meeting began, Ash looked around at the group, his gaze steady and determined. He knew the risks they were about to face, but he also knew they were the only ones who could handle them. He began, "We won't be staying here in the base for long. Our role isn't just to command from a distance—we're going to each kingdom ourselves, to assist in battles wherever we can and ensure that each attack succeeds."

Max's eyes widened as he leaned forward. "Wait, does that mean we'll be on the front lines? That's putting us in the most dangerous spots."

Lillie nodded, her expression serious. "Yes, Max. We don't have a choice. The only way to overthrow the kings and queens of these kingdoms is for Ash to confront them directly. He's the one with the power—the Devil Prince that the prophecy speaks of. Without him, there's no way we can take down rulers who've held power over this region for a thousand years."

Victor looked thoughtful, then asked, "But what exactly does that mean? How is Ash supposed to defeat them when they're so powerful?"

Mark stepped forward, his tone calm but resolute. "The kingdoms have immense resources, loyal forces, and soldiers who will do anything to protect their rulers. They're going to fight until they can't stand, and they'll wear down anyone who faces them. But Ash… Ash has something no one else does."

He gestured to his brother. "Ash has every Legendary Pokémon, every Mythical Pokémon, Paradox Pokémon, and even the Ultra Beasts by his side. They're powerful allies, the only ones who stand a chance against the rulers' forces. The strength of these Pokémon, combined with the determination we all share, is the only hope we have of ending this tyranny once and for all."

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed Mark's words. They realized the enormity of what they were undertaking, the scale of the battles ahead. But they also felt the weight of the trust placed in them, the unbreakable bond they shared with Ash and each other.

Ash finally spoke, his voice filled with conviction. "This won't be easy, and it won't be quick. But together, with the power we have and the strength of our Pokémon, we can take down these kingdoms and bring peace to the United Region. I'm not going to back down, and I know none of you will either."

The group nodded in unison, their resolve hardening as they prepared for the challenges awaiting them on the battlefield.

Here is the new chapter, and the next chapter we begin with the war and I hope you like this chapter.