Chapter 1

The world was once a peaceful place where humans and Pokémon coexisted, their bond unbreakable. But that harmony shattered with the rise of a powerful king. Using the mysterious abilities of Aura, he attempted to conquer the world, casting a shadow over the very name of Aura Users. United, humans and Pokémon fought to end his tyranny, but the memory of his deeds lingered, leaving a bitter stigma against those gifted with Aura. And so, the hunt for Aura Users began. To escape persecution, the remaining Aura Guardians fled to Sevestar Island—a place untouched by the outside world, where they could live in relative peace, far from the nine regions that made up the rest of civilization. Here, the guardians dedicated their lives to protect their culture, though many in the world continued to see them as a threat.

For Pokémon, the choice was simple: ally with humans or Aura Guardians. But this choice only deepened the divide, and even the smallest differences fueled fierce disputes. Among the Aura Users were 19 types, each reflecting one of the elements that governed the world's Pokémon. Eighteen of these types paralleled the power of Fire, Water, Grass, and others, while the last, the Grand Guardians, wielded a unique aura that allowed them to summon Legendary and Mythical Pokémon to their aid. This ability made them both revered and feared.

Aura Guardians were chosen by bloodlines, with Grand Guardians typically drawn from royalty. But as centuries passed, even they were forced into hiding, scattered across the regions. Those who remained on Sevestar Island became targets, while those who dared live outside were forced to conceal their lineage or live as outcasts, despised by the people who saw them as beings of evil.

In recent times, the Ketchum family bore the legacy of the Grand Guardians. One of their own, Ash Ketchum, was born in Otem Town on Sevestar Island. Living quietly with his mother in Kanto's Pallet Town, he hid his identity as an Aura Guardian from the world. Yet, his travels across the regions with his trusted companion, Pikachu, exposed him to the harsh truths and cruel treatment endured by his people.

"Charizard is unable to battle! Pikachu is the winner, which means the victory goes to Ash Ketchum from Pallet Town!"

As the announcer declares his victory, the crowd erupts into cheers. Ash takes a deep breath, murmuring, "We did it..."

Triumphant, Ash feels a swell of pride in his victory against the World Champion. But the celebration is short-lived. Soldiers and police swarm the stadium, closing in on him. Confused, Ash glances around and demands, "What's the meaning of this?"

Goodshow steps forward, a hint of a smile on his face. "Congratulations on your win, Ash. Or should I say... Aura User Ash Ketchum?"

The words send shockwaves through the crowd, and the viewers watching on screens gasp in disbelief. Ash blinks, then lets out a shaky laugh. "Me? An Aura User? This must be a joke because I beat Leon, right? Do you even have proof?"

"Oh, I have proof," Goodshow replies, his smirk widening. "Let me show you."

The screens flash, and a video plays. It shows Ash's home in Pallet Town under attack. His mother, Delia, is seen defending herself with aura, her hands glowing with the unmistakable power. But the footage takes a dark turn as gunshots ring out, and Delia collapses, struck by bullets.

"Mom..." Ash's voice catches as his eyes widen in horror.

"There you have it," Goodshow continues, his tone unyielding. "Since your mother is an Aura User, it only stands to reason that you are too. Don't take it personally."

Suddenly, the staff fire their guns, but Ash leaps into the air, his eyes glowing with power. In an instant, he summons a massive Earth Power that erupts beneath his attackers, throwing them back with its force. Goh and Chloe, watching from the sidelines, stare in shock. Chloe gasps, "No way… Ash is really…?"

"An Aura User?" Goh shouts, unable to believe it. "This can't be true, right?"

Ash laughs, a defiant edge in his voice. "So what if I am? I've traveled through all eight regions, and none of you ever figured it out. Just goes to show how narrow-minded your governments are."

"Kill him!" Goodshow bellows, and the remaining forces surge toward Ash.

In response, Ash pulls out every Poké Ball he owns, releasing his entire team—from his earliest Kanto journey to the Pokémon he met in Paldea. They surround him, each ready for battle.

"Everyone, it's kill or be killed!" he commands. "Give it everything you've got!"

With fierce roars of agreement, his Pokémon launch their attacks, some striking down the trainers who stand against them. Watching the chaos unfold, Professor Oak rushes outside, his face pale with shock. "Since when did Ash reclaim his Pokémon? I thought I had them confined!"

A voice interrupts him. "What if I helped him?" Tobias steps forward, his Darkrai at his side. "Darkrai, use Dark Void on the old professor."

Professor Oak barely has time to react before he falls into a deep sleep. Tracy and Gary emerge from the lab, and Gary's eyes widen as he recognizes Tobias. "You're… Tobias. The one who swept the Sinnoh League!"

Tobias smirks, a hint of bitterness in his eyes. "So this is our first meeting. Let's keep it brief. I don't take kindly to humans, especially those responsible for my mother's death."

Meanwhile, back in the stadium, Ash has descended into a full-scale assault, targeting trainers and officials alike, his Pokémon beside him in the fight. He comes face to face with his old companions, with Brock, Misty, and others staring in shock.

"So… you're an Aura User?" Brock exclaims. "All these years, traveling together, and we never knew?"

Ash sneers. "Heh. And you call yourself a future doctor, Brock? Maybe you were too distracted chasing girls."

"We won't let you get away with this, you monster!" they shout, calling forth their Pokémon to confront him. But Greninja and Squishy leap to Ash's defense, releasing a torrent of Thousand Arrows and Water Shuriken, forcing them back.

Bonnie stares in disbelief. "Squishy! Why? Why are you helping him?"

Ash answers before Squishy can. "Isn't it obvious? I'm the Grand Guardian, able to summon Legendary Pokémon. Squishy follows me by choice."

Squishy's voice echoes in agreement. "Ash saved Kalos. For that, I owe him my allegiance."

As chaos erupts around them, Lillie, Serena, and Dawn huddle behind a wall, their expressions grim.

"Ash's identity has been exposed… This is bad for us," Lillie whispers, worry etched on her face.

"What should we do?" Dawn asks, glancing at the others. "Do we help him, or hide our own identities?"

Serena shakes her head. "Our safety comes first. For now, we should stay hidden."

Nearby, Clemont yells out, "Ash, you should be ashamed for all the pain you've caused us and everyone else over the years!"

Amid the fight, Ash spots Goh, who is releasing Suicune and Regieleki onto the battlefield. Ash smirks and calls out, "You think you can control Legendary and Mythical Pokémon to fight me?"

"What if I can?" Goh retorts, eyes narrowed. "This is the end for you, Ash!"

But to Goh's shock, Suicune and Regieleki glance back at him, then shatter their own Poké Balls with a quick strike. They turn toward Ash, who watches with a triumphant grin.

"Only Aura Users can truly bond with Legendary and Mythical Pokémon," Ash explains. "Since you're not an Aura User, they'll never obey you. Suicune! Regieleki! Attack!"

With a flash, Suicune unleashes an Aurora Beam while Regieleki traps the area in a Thunder Cage, forcing Ash's opponents to dive for cover. Misty grits her teeth in frustration.

"So, you'd even go as far as stealing Legendary Pokémon from us?" she snarls. "How could you stoop so low?"

Ash's eyes harden. "How could I? Do you have any idea how painful it's been to hear all of you insult Aura Users for nine years, knowing I was one of them? And here you are, acting like it doesn't matter if I'm killed. Everything I've done has been just to survive."

Ash's body begins to glow, and a powerful psychic energy forces all his Pokémon back into their Poké Balls. He raises his voice, addressing the crowd and beyond. "People of the nine regions, as you can see, I have defeated your strongest champion. That means none of you stand a chance against me in a fair fight. I will return, and I will have my revenge. I won't hesitate to unleash the Rumbling and wipe out every last one of you!"

At that moment, a hidden plane appears in the sky above, lowering close enough for Ash to climb aboard. Inside, he finds his sister, Minami, waiting for him.

Ash stares in disbelief. "Minami… I can't believe you really came for me."

Minami nods, her expression serious. "When we learned that Mom was killed by the Kanto government, Dad sent us to get you out before it was too late. And we were right. You're public enemy number one."

Suddenly, Tobias steps into the cabin, and Ash's eyes widen. "Tobias?"

Tobias meets his gaze with a cold determination. "Professor Oak and Gary are the ones who got our mother killed. I dealt with Tracy—he's no longer a threat. Oak is trapped in a nightmare, and Gary… let's just say he's too much of a coward to interfere."

Ash's face hardens. "I understand." He nods slowly. "They'll pay for what they've done. And I'm grateful you returned my Pokémon to me before the League—couldn't have done this without them."

After slipping away from the stadium, Lillie turns to Dawn and Serena, her expression solemn. "You two should return to me. It's too dangerous if we're discovered."

Nodding, Dawn and Serena merge back into Lillie, leaving her to travel alone. Determined to escape the chaos, Lillie makes her way back to Alola. But just a few days later, troubling news reaches her: Ash's revelation has shaken the region, and a new Champion has already been crowned.

Curious and uneasy, Lillie finds herself outside Professor Kukui's lab, where she overhears raised voices inside.

"Do what you want!" Kukui shouts. "We don't regret having Ash in our family. He's kind and gentle—unlike any of you!"

Suddenly, the lab erupts in a violent explosion. Lillie's heart stops as she rushes forward, her mind racing. "No…!"

She stumbles through the rubble, searching desperately for any sign of Kukui, Burnet, or Lei. But the sight before her is too much to bear. The lifeless bodies of her mentors and Lei lie scattered, and a wave of nausea overtakes her.

Just then, familiar voices break her daze.

"Lillie? What are you doing here?" Kiawe asks, approaching with Mallow and Sophocles.

Lillie turns, her voice hollow. "Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet… they're dead."

Mallow shrugs. "So? They brought it on themselves, sheltering that devil."

Sophocles crosses his arms, his face set in determination. "Don't worry about them, Lillie. Let's focus on what matters—finding a way to stop Ash Ketchum."

"Don't you have any remorse?" Lillie snaps, her voice thick with anger. "Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet were our teachers at the Trainer's School!"

Mallow's expression hardens. "Why are you defending them, Lillie? Are you trying to get us all killed?"

Lillie's eyes narrow. "Maybe I should. What do you think?"

Suddenly, a fierce, icy wind begins to swirl around her, and a blizzard sweeps across the shore, freezing sections of the ocean.

Kiawe takes a step back, eyes wide. "That power… it can't be…"

Lillie meets their shocked gazes, her expression cold and unyielding. "Yes, I am an Aura User—and I specialize in Ice-Type Aura. And now, you've made me angry. Let's see how you handle it when a tropical region like Alola becomes a frozen wasteland."

With a determined gaze, she summons Glastrier, who materializes beside her, powerful and imposing. Mounting Glastrier, she dashes across the icy surface of the water, leaving a trail of blizzards in her wake as she heads back toward the Aether Foundation, the air around her growing colder with each passing moment. As Lillie and Glastrier return to the Aether Foundation, Lusamine meets her with a concerned expression. "Lillie, what have you done? Did you really try to freeze the entire Alola region?"

"They deserved it!" Lillie shouts, her frustration breaking through. "They didn't even spare a one-year-old!"

Mohn, looking troubled, steps forward. "But Lillie, this puts the entire Aether Foundation at risk. We'll need to leave as quickly as possible."

While Mohn begins making urgent calls, Lillie explains everything that happened with Ash and Professor Kukui. Gladion clenches his fists, his face darkening. "They need to pay for what they've done."

Lusamine places a hand on his shoulder. "I know, Gladion. But first, we need to focus on getting to safety. The Aether Foundation is no longer secure."

Mohn returns, his expression grave. "I contacted the Sevestar Region—they're ready to help us escape. But before we leave, we need to destroy everything here. We can't let them find anything that ties back to us."

With a collective nod, the Aether family gathers the staff, setting time bombs throughout the facility. As the last device is set, they board a navy ship, watching the Aether Foundation fade into the distance as the countdown begins.

Here is the first chapter, and welcome to the story of Prince Ash's Darker Version. This is going to be a journey throughout the Sevestar Region and also the war against humans. I hope you like this chapter.