Chapter 2

Ash kneels before his father, Adam, as a royal crown is placed upon his head. At last, he's officially crowned a prince, catching up to his siblings who had already received their titles.

Once the ceremony concludes, Adam smiles and says, "Now that you're back, Ash, it's time for you to think about finding a princess."

"A princess?" Ash looks at him in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Adam raises an eyebrow, slightly amused by Ash's lack of understanding. "You're eighteen now, Ash. As a prince, it's essential for you to think about marriage—just as your mother and I did."

"So… you're saying you want me to settle down and start a family?" Ash asks, a note of skepticism in his voice. "I've traveled with a lot of girls, but they all turned on me the moment they learned I was an Aura Guardian."

Adam's expression turns serious. "That's not entirely true." He gestures to a screen showing the aftermath of a massive fire, where Aether Paradise lies in ruins with only ships visible fleeing the scene.

Ash's eyes widen. "That's the Aether Paradise! What happened?"

Adam sighs. "The Aether Family is among the Ice-Type Aura Families in the world. With your identity as an Aura Guardian revealed, they were also discovered and forced to abandon Alola."

"No…" Ash drops to his knees, struggling to process the news. "And Lillie… was she safe? Or did they… execute her like they did Mom?"

Adam places a reassuring hand on Ash's shoulder. "You don't need to worry. Our forces intercepted their ships before anyone could reach them. They're safe now, here in the Sevestar Region. The Aether family is currently taking refuge at Mt. Iceat. I take it you'd like to see them?"

"Yes, of course!" Ash says, relief flooding his face. "I need to know that Lillie's alright."

After reaching the Aether base on Mt. Iceat, Adam knocks on the sturdy door. Moments later, Mohn opens it, surprise flickering across his face.

"Your Highness," Mohn says, bowing respectfully before ushering them inside.

The moment Lillie and Gladion see Ash, Lillie rushes forward, wrapping her arms around him. "Ash! You're safe!"

Ash hugs her tightly, relief flooding him. "Lillie! I'm so glad you're okay." Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, leaps down to nuzzle Snowy, who chirps happily in response.

Gladion crosses his arms, his expression tense. "How in the world did Goodshow find out you're an Aura User? We barely escaped the stadium…"

Ash's face darkens. "Gary… he and Professor Oak betrayed me. I heard you all were forced to flee because of me… I'm so sorry."

"Don't apologize," Lillie says firmly. "The blame lies with those who see us as monsters. We just want to live in peace, and they do this to us."

Gladion nods grimly. "And it wasn't just strangers. All of Lillie's friends turned on us, too. The moment they learned we were Aura Users, they attacked without a second thought. We only escaped because of Silvally and Lillie (Nihilego)."

Ash's eyes widen. "And… what about Professor Kukui and Professor Burnet? They knew I was an Aura User since I stayed with them, but they treated me like family…"

Lillie's eyes fill with tears as she whispers, "They were killed… the government executed them for letting you stay with them…"

The weight of the news crushes Ash, and he falls to his knees, tears welling in his eyes. Professor Kukui, Professor Burnet, even Lei—all gone because of him. As he sits, broken, Lillie swallows her own grief and kneels beside him. Gently, she leans in and kisses him, her gesture filled with comfort and unspoken support.

"You need to calm down, Ash," Lillie says gently, resting a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know how you feel… I hate what happened to them, too."

"But everything's so wrong!" Ash exclaims, his voice thick with frustration. "What did we do to deserve this hatred? Just because one king misused his power centuries ago… why should we still be punished?"

Gladion clenches his fists, his jaw set in anger. "The governments are no better than Team Skull, Team Flare, or even Team Rocket. You've saved their regions from those evil teams, Ash, but this is how they repay you. They've betrayed us all."

At that moment, Lusamine, Mohn, and Adam enter the room. Lusamine approaches Ash with a solemn expression. "I heard everything from the king. I'm truly sorry for your loss, Ash. Your mother… she was an incredible person."

Ash's voice cracks slightly. "Thank you, Ms. Lusamine. I… I still have you all, and that's something."

Lusamine nods, but her tone turns serious. "The king is here to discuss something important—your marriage plans. Tradition states that a prince and princess should marry at eighteen, and now that you're of age, it's time to consider your future."

"What?" Lillie's eyes widen. "You're getting married? Who's your fiancée?"

Ash shifts nervously, looking between them. "I… don't have a fiancée yet. I think that's part of the reason I'm here…"

Gladion and Lillie's eyes widen in shock. Lillie feels her heart race, realizing what this means—Ash is here for her! He wants her as his fiancée. Her face flushes red as she processes the possibility; she's admired Ash for as long as she can remember, and now he's actually here, asking her.

"But… there's a slight problem," Ash says, hesitating and breaking her thoughts. Lillie looks at him, puzzled.

"I don't want you to feel forced," Ash continues. "It would feel wrong if it sounded like I'm just… making you become my wife."

"Are you serious, Ash Ketchum?" Lillie snaps, a bit of irritation mixed with affection in her tone. "Of course I'd want to! I've admired you since you saved me so many times—when I broke my leg, the fall back in Alamos Town, that time on the cliff at Professor Sycamore's summer camp, and when you helped me conquer my fear of touching Pokémon."

Ash blinks, confused. "Wait, what? I only remember helping you with the fear of touching Pokémon. What's this about the other times?"

Gladion sighs. "That summer camp incident is what caused Lillie to split into three people—her, and the parts of her that became Dawn and Serena."

Ash's jaw drops. "Hold on, you split into three? And you say you are Dawn and Serena? They were my travel companions in Sinnoh and Kalos!"

Lillie nods. "I know. But… what did you mean by 'as well'?"

Ash sighs, looking away as if recalling something painful. "When I was younger, I was also split into three—myself, a boy named N, and another named Alain. I reunited with N after my journey in Unova, and then I rejoined with Alain after he lost to Leon."

Lillie's eyes widen further. "So… you're also Alain? Does that mean you fought yourself in the Kalos League?"

Ash nods, exhaling heavily. "I didn't even realize Alain was taking part in the Kalos League until it was too late. Maybe it was to help hide my Aura User identity."

Lillie frowns, her expression pained. "I… I thought you would have known. And yes, Dawn and Serena… they returned to me. I thought you'd noticed us performing with Lisia."

Ash blinks. "Lisia too? She's also an Aura User?"

"Yes, she's a Water Aura User," Lillie replies. "We were forced to retreat back here, and that's why Dawn and Serena are part of me again."

"I see…" Ash murmurs, then suddenly realizes something. "Wait, since my time with Serena was cut short back then, I never got to ask her about something important…"

Lillie tilts her head, curious. "What question?"

Ash looks at her, his expression a mix of embarrassment and interest. "The kiss at the Kalos Airport."

Lillie's cheeks turn crimson as she remembers, and Gladion raises an eyebrow. "Wait, seriously? You kissed Ash at the airport?"

Lillie looks down, suddenly shy. "Yeah… I did."

Ash smiles softly. "You know, I'm glad you did."

Lillie blinks, caught off guard. "Eh?"

Ash scratches his head, a bit nervous. "After everything came out about me being an Aura User, I was worried about Serena… I thought she might be in danger too, back at the stadium."

Lillie puts on a mock-hurt expression. "So… you like Serena more than me, is that it?"

Ash's eyes widen in panic. "No, no! That's not it at all! I mean, you're amazing too, you're so kind, and—"

Lillie chuckles, breaking into a smile. "Relax, Ash. I'm just teasing. Serena is a part of me, so there's no need to worry about it."

Ash lets out a breath of relief as Lillie changes the subject. "Since you're here, how about I show you my Pokémon in the playground? I'm sure Pikachu would love to see Sylveon again."

Pikachu blushes at the mention of Sylveon, and Snowy nudges him playfully, eager for them to follow. Together, they head to the backyard, laughter and excitement in the air. To Ash's surprise, he finds all of Dawn's and Serena's Pokémon gathered together. Sylveon spots Pikachu and dashes over, nuzzling him affectionately and wrapping her feelers around him, making Pikachu blush furiously.

Nearby, Delphox and Piplup come forward to greet Ash, and he smiles, giving each a friendly nod. Spotting Buneary, he remarks, "I thought Buneary would still get shy around Pikachu."

Lillie laughs softly. "She's moved on. Once she saw how close Sylveon is to Pikachu, she decided to focus on other things."

Gladion steps forward, crossing his arms. "I approve of my sister's relationship with you, Ash. But I have one request—battle me. I won't take no for an answer."

Ash grins, feeling the familiar thrill of a challenge. "Of course, Gladion. I'd love a rematch. Our Battle Royal and the Alola League left things unfinished."

As the two prepare to battle, the adults watch as Pikachu faces off against Gladion's Zoroark. Mohn leans over to Adam and remarks, "Lillie and Ash really do seem perfect together. Her affection for him couldn't be more obvious."

Adam nods thoughtfully. "But that means she'll need to stay with us in our castle. Are you certain you're okay with that?"

Lusamine smiles, her gaze warm. "Absolutely. During my time in Kalos and Alola, I saw how deeply Lillie cares for him. Johanna even mentioned that, as Dawn, she held feelings for Ash as well."

"By the way, Johanna's safe, right?" Adam asks, a note of concern in his voice. "As one of the Poison Aura Users, I worried the Sinnoh government might have targeted her."

"Don't worry," Mohn reassures him. "She managed to return here safely. She even brought our daughter back to us."

Adam nods, relieved. "Good to hear."

The battle between Ash and Gladion concludes with Ash emerging victorious after landing a powerful Gigavolt Havoc on Zoroark.

"Looks like you're as strong as ever," Gladion remarks, giving Ash a grudging nod of respect.

"You're not bad yourself," Ash replies with a grin.

Lillie's expression darkens slightly. "It's just… hard to believe you had to give up your World Champion and Alola Champion titles. You worked so hard, and it all vanished just like that."

Ash's gaze hardens. "I know. But we'll get our revenge. If they want to label us as devils, then we'll show them exactly what we're capable of. But first, there are other matters to handle."

Gladion sighs, crossing his arms. "You mean the wedding, right? Just so you know, if you ever break my sister's heart, you'll regret every moment of it."

Ash chuckles, giving Gladion a serious nod. "I'd never do that. It would break my heart to see hers broken."

Lillie's heart skips a beat. This is the first time she's heard Ash express something so heartfelt, and it makes her cheeks flush.

Noticing her reaction, Ash smirks. "What's on your mind, Lillie?"

Lillie shakes her head quickly, flustered. "Oh, nothing! Just… thinking about how we're finally together after everything."

Everyone laughs, the tension melting into warmth and camaraderie as they settle down to discuss the upcoming wedding.

This is Ash and Lillie's confession and also their reunion, and Ash and Lillie reveal to each other about their being three people at the same time. I'm sorry for Kukui's fans since their death is vital for Ash's change in this story and I hope you like it.