Ash slips out of bed, his body still sore but determined. He quickly puts on a shirt, the fabric feeling foreign on his skin after days of being bedridden. The tension in the air is palpable as he steps out of the room, following Delia and the rest of the Ketchum family down the dimly lit corridor. The walls are lined with faded paintings and old banners, remnants of a time long past, yet carrying the weight of history that Ash is only beginning to understand.
They arrive at the meeting room, a large space with a round table at its center. As Ash enters, all eyes in the room turn to him. The room is filled with people, each wearing expressions of anticipation and excitement. Ash can feel the pressure mounting; these people see him as their savior, the one who will lead them out of darkness. His heart races, and he takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself.
Delia steps forward, her voice calm yet commanding as she introduces the members of the team. "These are the ones who have been fighting alongside your father, Ash. They've been waiting for this moment—for you."
Ash nods, his gaze sweeping across the faces in the room. He recognizes some, others are strangers, but all of them share the same look of hope and expectation. It's overwhelming, and for a moment, Ash isn't sure if he's ready for this responsibility. But he knows he has no choice.
After the introductions, Ash gathers his thoughts and steps forward. "What's the situation in the United Region?" His voice is steady, but the weight of the question hangs in the air, making everyone in the room tense.
One of the members, Jekyll, steps forward, clearing his throat as he begins to speak. "The United Region, Ash, was formed by your ancestors, the Ketchum Family. With the blessing of Arceus, they established the region as a place of unity and prosperity. The Ketchum Family was chosen by Arceus himself to lead, and under their guidance, the region flourished."
The room remains silent, every word Jekyll utters seems to carry the weight of centuries. Ash listens intently, the enormity of his heritage starting to settle in.
Blade Berlitz, another member, picks up where Jekyll leaves off. "With Arceus' permission, Adam Ketchum, your ancestor and the first emperor of the United Region, sought out 18 wise families to help govern the land. These families were entrusted with the responsibility of managing different parts of the region, thus establishing the 18 kingdoms. It was a time of peace and collaboration, each kingdom working together for the greater good."
Ash nods, trying to visualize the grandeur of the United Region as it once was.
Paris, a third member, steps forward, her voice tinged with sadness. "But that harmony didn't last. About a thousand years ago, the kingdoms, blinded by their greed and ambition, began to fear the Emperor's power. They worried that their rule could be taken away at any moment. In their desperation, they conspired against the Ketchum Family. In cold blood, they betrayed and murdered the Emperor, plunging the region into chaos."
The room grows heavier with the weight of the past. Paris continues, "In the aftermath, Team Alpha was formed by those who remained loyal to your family. They helped the Ketchum Family escape, ensuring the bloodline would continue. But it was during this dark time that the prophecy was made—the prophecy that foretold the return of the Devil Prince who would rise to bring justice to the United Region."
Ash clenches his fists, feeling the burden of history on his shoulders. This is the legacy he has inherited, and now it's his turn to fulfill the prophecy.
Ash's fists tremble with anger, his voice sharp as he spits out, "Those ungrateful bastards... I also heard from my sister Golly that people under those 18 families are suffering. Is that also true?"
Pauline steps forward, her expression somber. "Yes, Ash. The people are suffering immensely. The 18 families have turned the United Region into a land of despair. They rule with iron fists, exploiting the people for their gain. The region is completely isolated from the outside world, cut off from any hope of aid or escape. The families have grown more corrupt and tyrannical over time, caring only for their power and wealth, while the common people live in constant fear and misery."
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6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie
FanfictionAsh has become the devil prince of the prophecy, and he is going to lead this Team Alpha to free the United Region from the tyranny of the 18 Kingdoms. He won't be alone, with his love and the help of his friends and family, will he succeed?
