4. A New Ash Ketchum

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."