Chapter 2
Four years have passed since the birth of Ash and Golly, and the time has come for Aurora and Adam to bring their children out into the world. Leaving the tranquility of their secluded island, the family travels back to the headquarters of Team Alpha, located in the heart of Pallet Town. As they approach the familiar grounds, the bustling energy of the place greets them, and soon, a crowd gathers around to welcome them.
"Welcome back, Adam, Aurora," calls out a familiar voice. The one who greets them is none other than Professor Samuel Oak, one of the key members of Team Alpha. His eyes light up with recognition and warmth as he notices the two children clinging to their parents' sides. "So, I assume these two are your children, Ash and Golly?"
"Yes, Professor," Aurora responds with a warm smile. She gently nudges the twins forward. "Ash, Golly, this is Professor Oak. He's known as the Pokémon Professor—he knows everything there is to know about Pokémon."
The twins look up at the elderly professor with wide eyes, curiosity evident in their young faces. "Hello, Professor Oak," they say in unison, their voices bright and eager.
Professor Oak chuckles, charmed by their youthful enthusiasm. "My, my, they certainly have inherited the best of both of you," he remarks, observing the way Ash and Golly each reflect their parents in both looks and demeanor. "As much as I would love to sit and chat, I believe there's quite a gathering waiting for you all inside."
Aurora nods in agreement, her hand gently squeezing Adam's. The family exchanges glances, knowing that this is just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives—a chapter where their children will begin to learn about the world beyond the island, about Pokémon, and about the legacy they are destined to carry forward.
The joyous reunion of Team Alpha is abruptly shattered as the headquarters is ambushed by none other than Team Rocket. The atmosphere turns tense as Giovanni, the notorious leader of Team Rocket, strides confidently into the room, a smirk playing on his lips.
"I hope I'm not late for the party," Giovanni taunts, his voice dripping with mockery.
Aurora narrows her eyes, rolling them in frustration. "You... How many times do I need to tell you? I'm not your slave anymore. I've found my real family, and Team Alpha is my true home!"
Adam, standing beside her, scans the room, his gaze sharp. "You shouldn't have known the location of our base. There's a spy among us." His eyes lock onto another member of Team Alpha. "Lusamine, take Ash and Golly to safety. And be on the lookout for any traitors working for Team Rocket."
Lusamine nods firmly, quickly ushering Ash and Golly toward the basement. As they descend, the battle above erupts with the sound of Pokémon being summoned and weapons drawn, the once festive atmosphere now replaced by the chaos of combat.
In the basement, Ash looks up at Lusamine with wide, anxious eyes. "Where are Mom and Dad? Who is that man outside?"
Lusamine kneels beside them, her voice soft but urgent. "He's a bad guy. Your Mom and Dad are fighting to protect us, to make sure he can't hurt anyone."
But as Lusamine opens the door to check the situation, her blood runs cold. Standing in the doorway is the spy, a gun aimed directly at her.
"What is the meaning of this?" Lusamine demands, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief.
The spy grins, revealing the sinister 'R' emblem on her clothing. "Simple. Hand over the children, and no one gets hurt."
Lusamine's heart pounds in her chest, but her resolve is unshaken. "So, you're the one who betrayed us. But Adam and Aurora have entrusted me to protect Ash and Golly. I won't let you take them."
Ash and Golly cling to Lusamine, fear evident in their eyes, as the spy's expression darkens. "Then I'll take them by force!" she snarls, releasing her Crobat.
Lusamine swiftly sends out Clefable, her voice filled with determination. The two Pokémon clash fiercely, but Ash and Golly can only watch in horror as the battle unfolds before them. The basement feels suffocating, the air thick with tension.
Clefable manages to land a decisive Moonblast, sending the Crobat crashing to the ground. But before Lusamine can breathe a sigh of relief, the spy turns her gun on Lusamine, a murderous gleam in her eyes.
"No! Don't hurt her!" Golly cries out, and in a moment of desperate bravery, she rushes forward to protect Lusamine.
Time seems to slow as the gun fires. The bullet hits Golly, and she crumples to the ground, her small body going limp. Ash's eyes widen in disbelief, his heart nearly stopping.
"Golly!" Ash screams, rushing to her side as Lusamine stares in horror, frozen by the sight. Ash gasps in horror as he stares at Golly's lifeless body, something deep inside him snapping. His small frame begins to tremble, and a raw, untamed energy starts to surge around him. "You... you killed her!" he screams, his voice filled with a mixture of rage and despair.
Electricity crackles in the air, radiating from the boy. Lusamine's eyes widen in shock. "That's... Aura."
At the same time, Adam and Aurora, still locked in battle above, feel the surge of energy. Adam's heart skips a beat. "Ash..."
Aurora glances at Adam, concern etching her features. "You feel it too, Adam?" she asks, her voice tight with worry.
Adam nods, his focus sharpening. "We need to get to him—now."
With renewed urgency, the two quickly defeat the remaining grunts, their minds solely on their son. They rush down the stairs of the headquarters, only to arrive just in time to see Ash charging at the spy, his eyes wild with fury. "DIE!" he screams, the force of his rage manifesting in his every movement.
The spy's face contorts in terror as she raises her gun, frantically firing at Ash. But Ash moves with a speed and precision that defies his age, dodging each bullet with instinctive reflexes. In a flash, he grabs a knife from a nearby table and drives it into the spy's heart, stabbing her repeatedly until she collapses, lifeless, to the floor.
"Ash, stop!" Aurora cries out, her voice filled with a mix of fear and disbelief.
But it's too late. The deed is done. Aurora's eyes fall on Golly's still body, and her heart shatters. "No… Golly…" she whispers, horror flooding her senses.
Lusamine stands nearby, tears brimming in her eyes. "I'm so sorry, Aurora… I couldn't protect her…" Her voice breaks with guilt and sorrow.
Ash, standing over the fallen spy, is shaking uncontrollably. Blood splatters his small hands, and the full weight of what he's done begins to crash down on him. Adam rushes forward, pulling Ash into his arms, holding him tightly. "That's enough, Ash. It's over. You've already done enough."
Ash slowly returns to his senses, his eyes filling with tears. "Dad... Golly, she's dead... I... I couldn't save her..."
"I know, son," Adam whispers, his own heart aching as he holds his trembling child. "I know."
In the aftermath, Team Rocket retreats, their forces broken by Team Alpha's relentless assault. But the victory is hollow. The loss of Golly hangs heavy over the entire team, a wound that cuts deeper than any battle scar. Ash, haunted by the events of that day, blames himself for being too weak to protect his sister. The guilt consumes him, driving him to seek strength.
"I want you to train me," Ash says to his parents, his voice resolute, though his eyes still shine with the tears of loss. "I can't be weak anymore."
Aurora, her heart shattered by the loss of her daughter, looks at her son with a mix of pride and sorrow. "We will, Ash. I'll teach you how to fight, how to protect those you love." Her voice is firm, yet filled with the pain of a mother who has lost one child and fears for the other.
Adam places a comforting hand on Ash's shoulder. "And I'll teach you how to harness your Aura, how to control your power. You won't have to carry this burden alone."
From that day on, Ash's life changes forever. Aurora teaches him the art of combat, how to wield weapons, and the discipline needed to survive in a world filled with danger. Adam guides him in mastering his Aura, showing him how to channel his energy with purpose and control. The pain of losing Golly never truly fades, but it becomes the fire that drives Ash forward, shaping him into a force to be reckoned with—a protector, a warrior, and someday, a Pokémon Master.
Three years later, Ash decides to attend Professor Oak's Summer Camp, excited for new adventures. While exploring the forest, he spots a Poliwag darting between the trees and instinctively starts to chase after it.
"Poliwag, where are you?" Ash calls out, scanning the area as he jogs deeper into the woods. His search is interrupted when he notices something unusual—a girl with white hair, wearing a straw hat, sitting on the ground.
Without hesitation, Ash rushes over to her, his curiosity quickly replaced with concern. "Are you alright?" he asks, kneeling beside her.
The girl looks up at him, her eyes a bit shy but full of pain as she glances down at her leg. "I... I hurt my leg..." she murmurs, wincing slightly.
Ash's gaze follows hers and he notices a small cut on her knee, blood trickling down. Without missing a beat, he pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket and ties it carefully around her knee. "There! It's all better now. And watch this—Pain, pain, go away!" he says, waving his arms dramatically as if casting a spell.
The girl tries to move her leg but winces again. "It still hurts…" she whispers, her voice trembling slightly.
Ash grins, undeterred. "Don't give up until it's really over!" He offers his hand, his determination shining through. "Come on, let's get you up."
Gently, he pulls her to her feet, steadying her as she stumbles. She blushes, surprised by his strength and kindness, as he wraps his arms around her to help her balance.
"See, you did it!" Ash says triumphantly, his smile wide and infectious. "Let's get back to camp, alright?"
Later that day, after making sure she's safe, Ash brings the girl to his house, eager to introduce her to his family. He soon learns that her name is Alice Mache, and that her parents, Valerie Mache and Wulfric Urup, are both members of Team Alpha. Alice also has two older sisters, Flora and Eve.
As they settle in, Alice's family explains that she's always been a shy girl, struggling to make friends. Ash, with his usual boundless enthusiasm, is quick to declare, "Well, I'll be her first friend!"
From that day on, Ash makes it his mission to visit Alice often, bringing his energy and kindness into her life. Their houses are close to Team Alpha's headquarters, and Ash frequently stops by the Mache household, excited to spend time with Alice. Slowly but surely, the quiet girl begins to open up, and their friendship blossoms, marking the beginning of a bond that would grow stronger with time.
A few days after the Summer Camp ends, the Mache family prepares to return to Kalos to keep watch over Team Flare and manage their clothing business. Wanting to bid them farewell, Aurora and Ash make their way to Alice's house. When they arrive, Aurora knocks on the door, but the silence that greets them is unsettling.
"Maybe they're not home..." Aurora murmurs, frowning. "Valerie? It's me, Aurora. Is anyone home?"
Ash, always observant, notices something that sends a chill down his spine—blood smeared on the window. His eyes widen in horror as he tugs at Aurora's sleeve. Aurora quickly tries the door, finding it unlocked, and pushes it open. The sight that greets them is terrifying—Valerie, Wulfric, Eve, and Flora lie on the ground, weak and wounded.
"What's wrong? Valerie! Wulfric! Eve! Flora!" Aurora rushes to them, her voice frantic as she tries to rouse them. Valerie, barely able to speak, manages to whisper, "Alice... kidnapped..."
"Alice was kidnapped?" Aurora gasps, her heart racing. "Don't worry, I'll call Officer Jenny right away. Ash, stay here, okay?"
But Ash isn't listening. The horrific memory of his sister's death three years ago floods his mind, fueling a resolve that burns fiercely in his chest. He won't let it happen again—he won't lose another person he cares about. Without a word, Ash bolts from the house.
"Ash! Where are you going?" Aurora shouts after him, but Ash is already gone, his feet pounding the ground as he runs.
Ash's heart leads him to a nearby cabin, where three sinister-looking men stand around a bound and shivering Alice. One of them sneers, "Hey, are you sure she'll actually sell?"
The other man scoffs, eyeing Alice dismissively. "Just look at her. She's pretty, but she's still just a kid. Not really my type."
"I'm not asking about your tastes," the boss snaps. "We're selling her to the Underground market in the capital. She'll fetch a good price from those old perverts at the auction."
Alice lies on the cold ground, her eyes distant and unfocused. "It's so cold…" she whispers to herself, her voice barely audible.
Suddenly, the door creaks open, and the men turn in surprise. Ash stands in the doorway, trying to mask his fear. "Excuse me," he says, his voice small but steady.
"Hold it, kid!" One of the thugs stomps over to him, towering above the boy. "How did you find this place?!"
Ash hesitates, his voice trembling slightly. "Er, uh, I got lost in the forest. And then, umm, I saw a cabin, so…"
The thug glances at his boss, who gives a subtle gesture—dispose of the intruder.
"You know, kid, you really shouldn't wander around the forest all alone," the thug says, his voice dripping with false concern as he kneels down. "Scary Pokémon live in these woods, you know."
But as the thug reaches out to pet Ash's head, he doesn't notice the knife concealed in the boy's hand. "But there's nothing to worry about now," the thug continues. "We'll be happy to take you—"
In a flash, Ash plunges the knife into the thug's chest, the man's eyes widening in shock as he collapses to the ground. "Thanks, mister," Ash says, his voice cold. "I already know that, so die, you bastard."
"What the hell?!" the boss yells, jumping up from his seat. Ash quickly slams the door shut, barricading it with his body. The boss frantically tries to open it, but when he finally forces it ajar, Ash is ready. He has taped the knife to a broomstick, turning it into a makeshift spear. With a fierce determination, Ash thrusts the weapon into the boss's chest.
"Go to hell! This is what you get! This is what you deserve!" Ash screams, his voice filled with a terrifying mix of rage and satisfaction as he continues to stab the fallen men. Blood splatters across the room, and the look in Ash's eyes is far beyond his years—a darkness fueled by pain and a desperate need to protect those he loves.
Alice, still bound and helpless, watches the scene unfold, her eyes wide with horror. She can't believe what she's seeing—Ash, her friend, transformed into something unrecognizable as he ruthlessly takes down the men who had threatened her.
"You're safe now," Ash reassures Alice, his voice gentle as he helps untie the bindings that have held her captive.
Alice's voice is weak, a mixture of relief and confusion. "Ash… you came… but there were three of them…"
"Huh?" Ash barely has time to react before the third man, who had been out of sight, storms back into the room. His eyes go wide as he sees the bodies of his fallen comrades. Before Ash can reach for the knife, the man viciously kicks it away and grabs Ash by the throat, lifting him off the ground. "Was it you?! Was it you who killed 'em?! Was it?!"
Alice watches in terror, her entire body trembling as the man's hands tighten around Ash's throat. The desperation in Ash's eyes is unmistakable as he struggles to breathe. "I'm gonna kill you! You're fucking dead!" the man snarls, his rage-fueled grip tightening.
Ash fights to break free, his voice choked as he gasps out, "F-fight! Fight or die! Win and live!"
"What the hell are you thinking, brat?!" the man bellows, his face twisted with fury.
"The only way to win is to fight!" Ash's words echo in Alice's mind as she spots the knife lying on the ground, just within reach. Her hand moves almost on its own, but it's shaking uncontrollably. Fear grips her heart, and she whispers to herself, "No… I can't do it…"
But as she watches Ash's struggle, the memory of the cruel world she's grown up in flashes before her eyes. She's been sheltered, but not blind. She knows the darkness that exists, and she feels something awaken deep within her—a power she never knew she had.
The sight of Ash's face turning pale, on the brink of losing consciousness, snaps her into action. Alice's fear transforms into resolve, and with a surge of energy, she grabs the knife. "Fight!" she screams, charging at the man with everything she has.
"His heart was pierced through the back in a single strike," one officer reports to Officer Jenny, his voice laced with a mix of disbelief and grim respect.
"Those kids did this?" Officer Jenny mutters, her eyes wide with surprise as she stares at the gruesome scene. The reality of the situation sinks in, and she can hardly believe the extent of what Ash and Alice have done to defend themselves.
Outside the house, the atmosphere is tense. Aurora stands before Ash, her expression a mixture of anger, fear, and deep concern. "I told you to wait, Ash! Do you understand what you've done?"
Ash looks up at her, defiance flickering in his eyes. "I got rid of those creatures," he replies coldly. "They were using human skin to hide their identities."
"Ash!" Aurora's voice rises, her frustration boiling over.
"They would've been long gone by the time Officer Jenny arrived! It would've been too late!" Ash protests, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and justification.
"Even so, you were just lucky, Ash!" Aurora's eyes fill with tears as she kneels down to his level, her voice breaking. "The way you casually threw your life away is what I'm angry about! What if I lost you, just like I lost Golly three years ago?"
The mention of Golly's name shatters Ash's bravado. His lower lip trembles, and tears well up in his eyes. "But… I didn't want her to be like Golly… I couldn't let that happen again."
Beside him, Alice has been trembling, her body wracked with cold shivers that seem to have nothing to do with the temperature. Aurora, noticing her distress, turns her attention to the young girl. "Alice, are you okay?"
"I'm cold…" Alice murmurs, her voice small and distant.
Without hesitation, Ash pulls out a scarf from his bag, gently wrapping it around Alice's shoulders. "You can keep this," he says softly. "It's warm, isn't it?"
Alice touches the soft fabric, her eyes filling with gratitude. "It's warm…" she whispers, holding onto the scarf as if it's a lifeline.
Aurora watches the exchange, her heart aching for both of them. She sighs deeply, then places a hand on each of their shoulders. "You two… let's just go home. Your parents and sisters are worried about you, Alice."
With that, Aurora gently leads them away from the scene, their small figures huddled close together as they leave the dark memories of the day behind them.
The incident forces Valerie and Wulfric to delay their departure by a day. When the time finally comes for the Mache family to return to Kalos, Alice stands before Ash, clutching the scarf he had given her. "I want to give this back," she says hesitantly, holding out the scarf.
Ash shakes his head with a small smile. "No, you keep it, Alice. You're going back to Kalos, and who knows when we'll see each other again. I want you to have it, so you can remember me…"
Alice's eyes soften, and a warm smile spreads across her face. "Ash… I will always remember you."
They share a tender hug, the warmth of their friendship evident in the embrace. Eve and Flora watch from the sidelines, smiling knowingly at the bond between the two. As the Mache family prepares to leave, Eve and Flora tease Alice about her new friendship with Ash, their lighthearted jests adding a touch of warmth to the otherwise bittersweet farewell.
As the Mache family's car pulls away, Alice clutches the scarf tightly, her heart warmed by the memory of her brave friend. She knows that no matter the distance, their bond will remain strong—a connection forged in the crucible of a shared ordeal, and a friendship that will endure.
And here is a new chapter, tragedy happens to Ash at a young age, which is why this is a new Ash Ketchum. I hope you like this chapter.