Chapter 14

During our time in the Rota Kingdom, I've been diving headfirst into the enigma of the 'Violet Depression.' It's tied to the downfall of the Golly in this realm, or so my sleuthing has uncovered. Alice got hit with this sickness after enduring non-stop bullying at Kalos Boarding School. The torment got so bad she had to bail on school entirely. Every day, the attacks on her mental well-being just got worse. Alice was kept in the dark about the real deal, 'cause the truth could mess up everyone around her with the heavy negative vibes she was putting out.

The me from this world felt it was on him to take on Alice's struggle. He soaked up all that negative energy into his own self, landing him with the same sickness. Seeing his selfless move hit me hard, and I'm stoked their bond turned into a beautiful thing. They're an amazing couple, backing each other up no matter what.

The bullies, by some twisty fate, met their end in different ways. In this world, Minami stepped up as a savvy detective, digging into these mysterious deaths. But she hasn't cracked the case yet. I'm crossing my fingers she'll uncover the truth soon.

Today's the big day for the ceremony, but Lillie and I can't just waltz in and join the festivities. We've got to lay low in a spot off-limits to everyone else, and that's when he wants our help.

"You're really planning to take that potion?" I blurt out, totally taken aback. "But what if it messes you up? I mean, you said it yourself. That aphrodisiac is like a one-way ticket to Bonkersville, and even someone with aura powers will get hit..."

"And that's when you come in," the other me starts, and I brace myself for what's coming next. "I need you to cause a distraction, and make a huge commotion so everyone scrambles out of the palace. That way, Serena won't have the chance to, you know, do what she's planning. And as for the rest... Well, I've got a wonderful partner who can assist with that."

"Right..." I reply, pondering the situation. "So, how do we create a distraction? Got any ideas?"

"If you're really me from another world, then you've gotta be a skilled shooter too," The other me reason. "Here's the plan: You shoot the floor in front of me, and I'll use some ketchup to make a fake wound. That way, it'll look like someone's trying to take me out, and the crowd will freak out."

"Hey, what if I accidentally shoot you instead? I mean, what if something goes wrong, and I end up taking you down? Aren't you worried?" I ask with horror.

"If you're really me, you wouldn't do that, right?" the other me counters. "Plus, I'm not going down that easily. I've got some resilience in me."

"Alright..." I let out a sigh and head back to Lillie, who's just finished chatting with the other world's Alice. Lillie asks, "So, what did you find out?"

"I've got to play a shooting game and make a scene," I explain. "Luckily, the other me already tipped off the guards and the servants. I just have to make sure I don't end up hurting myself..."

"You'd better," Lillie mutters under her breath. "This is really risky and thoughtless... but then again, who am I to judge?"

As the time comes, we see a lot of people attending this dance ball, and I can also see Serena among the crowd, I might have to admit that she's striking, but compared to Alice, she's just not on the same level. I'm sure the other me is thinking about the same thing.

After the dance, we find Serena making a move, and we're observing from above.

"May I cut in, Ash?" Serena asks.

"It's Prince Ash to you," The other me replies in a cold tone, surprising Serena. "What are you doing at my coronation?"

"I really need to speak with you," Serena insists. "I just want to ask you to reconsider your decision."

"What decision?" The other me asks, pretending ignorance, though I can feel his anger simmering.

"Your choice of bride," Serena continues. "Surely either of your female companions would be a much better fit as they understand you more than your current bride. They would be more than willing to take the role of Crown Princess. Even though it's not my region, I do want the best for Kanto, considering the tragedy."

"Yes, but I've heard they possess valuable qualities. My current wife has a heart that cares for the ones she loves," the other me responds.

"But they're your only chance to get those charges dropped! They're willing to marry you just to save you!" Serena insists, secretly pouring the drug into my other self's wine. "I'm trying to help you, Ash. I don't want you to be sentenced to life."

Alice returns and is visibly displeased by Serena's attempts to persuade the other me. "I believe your friends can make you much happier. You've shared so many good times together on your journey. If you're concerned about a loving partner, they've grown up to be wonderful young women. If you'd like, I can introduce you to them and you can—"

"I think he's heard enough from you," Alice interjects in a cold tone, catching Serena off guard as she realizes the Crown Princess is confronting her.

"So, you're the one who stole Crown Prince Ash's heart," Serena says calmly. "What do you think you have that they don't?"

"I never believed Ash killed his mother. And all they care about is their appearance, popularity, and finding someone to boost their fame without doing a thing," Alice retorts.

"You..." Serena is fuming at Alice's implication that the other girls are only interested in money.

"I'll suggest they find sugar daddies if they're after a meal ticket," Alice smirks. "But I doubt even sugar daddies would want them hanging off their arms."

Serena understands it's futile to argue with the Crown Princess and simply says, "Think about my words, Ash. It's the only way to save you."

The other me sighs and thanks Alice. "What a nuisance... thanks, Alice," he says.

"Sorry I'm late, a prince tried to hit on me," Alice remarks.

"It's okay," the other me responds as he takes a sip of the wine, causing Alice to gulp as she realizes he drank the drug.

"Seems like it's our turn," I mutter, preparing to load the gun. "Lillie, cover your ears, it's gonna get pretty loud. Also, make sure that Nebby doesn't get scared of the sound as well."

Lillie nods in understanding as I fire the gun, aiming at the ground in front of my other self. I'm relieved that it doesn't hit my other self, but it effectively creates a massive distraction.

"Now, we've got to hide!" I whisper urgently as we all crouch down on the ground, staying out of sight behind the fence. Thankfully, the guards only shout commands, and soon the queen begins ushering everyone out of the palace.

As the crowd disperses, leaving only the other me, the other Alice, and Queen Ilene, we hurriedly approach them. Queen Ilene inquires, "Ash, are you alright?"

"I... I feel like my mind's going haywire," the other me confesses, clutching his head. Alice turns to Queen Ilene and reassures her, "Leave it to me, Your Highness. I'll handle this."

Ilene nods in agreement as Alice swiftly guides the other me away, taking charge of the situation. After they leave, Lillie asks, "So is he going to be fine?"

"Well, things should settle down. Although it might be quite noisy after all that's happened. Let's just hope it doesn't disrupt your sleep, and you can tough it out," I reassure, trying to keep things optimistic despite the circumstances.

"Well, we're not at that stage yet..." I stammer, feeling my face flush with embarrassment, and I notice Lillie blushing as well.

As we step outside, we spot Captain Phyco and Soliera wrapping up feeding Lunala. I approach them with curiosity, asking, "Captain Phyco and Soliera, I was wondering how the Lunalas are doing?"

Captain Phyco nods, replying, "They're doing quite well. I reckon we can depart this dimension tomorrow. Let's hope we're not headed for another dimension again."

Soliera sighs, expressing, "If only things went as planned... I mean, after two missteps with the dimensions, we're not even sure if we have the right understanding of your specific dimension... We might end up in your home in the next jump, or perhaps it'll take traversing through over a hundred dimensions to get you back home..."

"I personally find meeting other versions of myself quite fascinating. It's an opportunity to learn more about what I've been up to in those other dimensions, and perhaps even interact with them," I express with enthusiasm.

Captain Phyco cautions, "Remember, different dimensions harbor various possibilities. What if you find yourself in a dimension where you're actually the antagonist, eager to swap places so that you're stuck there while the alternate you come along with us? It's a possibility we can't rule out."

"And all I want is to go home," Lillie interjects, her tone filled with determination. "Dad is obviously there, and I need to put a stop to whatever my Mom's doing with her research that might harm Nebby or strain our relationship."

"Agreed," I acknowledge as we decide to take a break and head to our separate guest rooms. However, as we pass the room where the other me is lodged, we hear moaning and even catch some explicit words. "I can feel the heat rising... you really are turning into a Rapidash..."

Feeling uncomfortable and being teenagers, we swiftly distance ourselves from the room, not wanting those explicit thoughts to corrupt our minds. However, I can't help but ponder if the other me could truly transform into a Pokémon like Rapidash... No, that's obviously impossible, I assure myself, dismissing the notion as pure fantasy.

"I'm relieved these walls are soundproof... unless the other you decide to pull off something like a Boomburst..." Lillie comments, her face still flushed from what we overheard.

"And thankfully, this happens to be our last night in this dimension," I add. "With any luck, we'll be heading home tomorrow. Although I can't help but wonder what my Double Team self has been up to..."

"Can't you use your mind link?" Lillie inquires.

"Unfortunately, no," I respond. "I can't establish a mind link across dimensions. It's confined to the same realm."

Deciding not to dwell on it further, we settle into our beds, ready to embrace sleep, and await the arrival of tomorrow. As the day arrives, we ready ourselves on our Lunalas for departure. The other Alice and I join us, wishing us well.

"I hope both of you have recovered from the Violet Depression," I express.

"I also hope you can return to your own home," the other me adds with a smile as we wave our goodbyes. Lunala opens the portal, and we embark on another Ultra Warp Ride.

Here is a new chapter, and this chapter is the end of the Sevestar Prince Darker Version dimension. I hope you like this chapter and the next chapter will be back to Hisui.

Ash and Alice's Pokemon (Hisui):

Pikachu, Quilava, Espeon, Ursaring, Torterra, Infernape, Empoleon, Lucario, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Cresselia, Manaphy, Dewott, Lilliegant (Hisuian), Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus, Sliggoo (Hisuian), Dartrix, Wyrdeer, Kleavor, Overqwil

Ash and Lillie's Pokemon (Ultra Dimensions):

Charizard, Butterfree x2, Lapras, Meganium, Steelix, Mantine, Sceptile, Gardevoir, Milotic, Absol, Glaceon, Gallade, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Hawlucha