6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

Chapter 2 Setting Off

The sun is just beginning to dip below the horizon as Ash, Delia, and Golly make their way to Professor Oak's lab. The familiar sights and sounds of Pallet Town surround them, but there is an unspoken tension in the air. Ash's mind is racing with everything that has happened in the last few hours, but his resolve remains firm.

As they reach the entrance of the lab, Ash pushes the door open, and they are greeted by the warm, familiar face of Professor Oak.

"Ash, Delia, it's good to see you!" Professor Oak says, his voice full of warmth as he approaches them. His eyes then land on Golly, curiosity flickering in his gaze. "And who might this be?"

Ash exchanges a glance with Delia before answering. "Professor, this is Golly, my... my sister. We're here because we need your help."

Professor Oak raises an eyebrow, clearly surprised but welcoming. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you, Golly," he says with a nod. "What brings you all here today?"

Ash takes a deep breath. "We need to go to the United Region."

The warmth in Professor Oak's eyes dims, replaced by a shadow of concern. "The United Region?" he repeats, his tone growing serious. "Ash, do you have any idea what you're getting into? The United Region has a terrible reputation. It's a closed-off region—no planes go there, no one comes out. The people who live there... well, from what I've heard, it's like living in hell."

Delia remains silent, her face set with quiet determination, but Golly steps forward, her eyes meeting Professor Oak's with unflinching resolve. "We know, Professor," she says firmly. "But this is Ash's destiny. He is the Devil Prince, and it's his fate to go there and fulfill the prophecy."

Professor Oak looks between the three of them, his concern deepening. "Destiny or not, this is a dangerous path. Are you sure this is what you want to do, Ash?"

Ash nods, his voice strong and unwavering. "Yes, Professor. I have to do this. It's the only way."

Professor Oak lets out a heavy sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as he processes the weight of the situation. "I understand," he finally says, his voice tinged with resignation. "Just know that you'll always have a place here in Pallet Town, no matter what."

Ash steps outside of Professor Oak's lab, his heart heavy with the weight of the journey ahead. He knows that this isn't a path he can walk alone, and as he makes his way to the open field where his Pokémon are gathered, he feels a sense of determination wash over him.

Pikachu hops off his shoulder, ready to rally the others. Ash takes a deep breath and begins, "Everyone, I need to talk to you."

His voice carries across the field, and his Pokémon all turn to face him, each one attentive and loyal. Charizard, Sceptile, and the others, all powerful and experienced, stand by his side, ready for whatever comes next.

Ash takes a moment to gather his thoughts before continuing. "We're heading to the United Region. It's a place where the people are suffering under the rule of eighteen different kingdoms, and they need our help." He pauses, letting the gravity of the situation sink in. "I'm going there as the Devil Prince, and I want all of you to come with me."

He looks out at the sea of familiar faces, each Pokémon a testament to his journey, his growth, and his bond with them. "As the World Champion, I'm not bound by the six-Pokémon limit anymore. So I'm asking all of you—will you join me in this fight?"

The response is immediate. Every Pokémon steps forward, their expressions filled with determination and loyalty. They all nod, voices rising in a collective cheer of agreement. They're ready to stand by Ash's side, no matter what challenges await them.