6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

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."