6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

Chapter 6 Viridale Kingdom

The next day arrives, the morning light filtering through the dense foliage around the base. Ash and Lillie, now more resolute in their mission, prepare to observe the situation in the 18 kingdoms. They know the task ahead is dangerous, but it's a necessary step if they are to understand the full scope of the region's suffering.

As they gear up, Golly joins them, her movements silent and precise. Among all of Ash's siblings, Golly is the best assassin—her skills in stealth and combat unmatched. With her by their side, Ash and Lillie know they have a formidable ally to keep them safe.

"We need to be careful," Golly advises, her voice calm and measured. "The kingdoms have eyes everywhere, and if they sense our presence, things could get complicated quickly."

Ash nods, his expression serious. "We'll stick to the plan. Gather as much information as we can without being detected."

Lillie, standing close to Ash, feels a mix of excitement and nervousness. This is the first time she's stepping into such a dangerous situation, but with Ash and Golly beside her, she feels ready.

Golly leads the way, her movements so smooth and silent that she almost seems to blend into the shadows. Ash and Lillie follow close behind, their senses heightened as they venture into the unknown. The day is just beginning, but they know that what they discover could change the course of their mission—and their lives—forever.

As they move stealthily through the lush, dense forest, Lillie turns to Golly, curiosity in her eyes. "Which kingdom are we in?"

Golly glances around, her keen eyes taking in the surroundings before she answers. "This is the Viridale Kingdom," she replies in a hushed tone. "It's known for its Grass-type Pokémon. The kingdom was created by Arceus' Meadow Plate."

Ash listens carefully, his senses on high alert as they traverse the unfamiliar terrain. "So, what's the story behind this place?" he asks, keeping his voice low but filled with curiosity.

Golly glances at him, noting his interest. "There's an old tale about the first queen of this region. It's a story that's become known as 'Alice in Wonderland.'"

Lillie's eyes widen slightly as Golly begins the tale, and Ash focuses intently on her words.

"Long ago, a traveler named Alice arrived in this region, which was once known as Wonderland. She was drawn here after spotting a familiar Buneary wearing a waistcoat and carrying a pocket watch—a strange sight, even for those days. This Buneary was the reason Alice ventured into the region, and she soon discovered that she was destined for something far greater than she imagined."

Ash nods, absorbing the story, his mind working to piece together how the history of this kingdom might influence their current mission.

Golly continues, her voice low and steady. "Alice learned that she was the one prophesied to slay a terrifying Hydreigon and end the cruel rule of the Red Queen, who had plunged Wonderland into chaos and despair. The journey was perilous, but Alice managed to sneak into the Red Queen's castle. There, she found the legendary vorpal sword, the only weapon capable of defeating the Hydreigon."

Ash exchanges a glance with Lillie, both of them silently acknowledging the gravity of the story and how it parallels their own journey.

Golly's voice drops even lower as she describes the climax. "However, her actions didn't go unnoticed. The Red Queen, enraged by the threat to her reign, demanded Alice's beheading. But Alice, with courage and determination, faced the Red Queen and her fearsome Jabberwocky in battle. In a fierce struggle, Alice beheaded the Jabberwocky with the vorpal sword. The Red Queen's knights, witnessing their ruler's defeat, turned against her. With the king's approval, Alice was crowned the true queen of the Grass Region, bringing peace and prosperity back to Wonderland—now known as the Viridale Kingdom."