Chapter 4

Two months had passed since Ash and Lillie began their journey across the Sevestar Region, traveling to meet the representatives of the 18 Aura types. Each Aura family held great power, but only one family per type could serve as the official representative of the royal family. The decision wasn't made lightly—it required the blessing of a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon.

Lillie, as the representative of Ice-Type Aura, had been chosen by Articuno, Kyurem, and Glastrier, her bond with them a testament to her strength and resolve.

The representatives were among the most influential individuals in the Sevestar Region. Each had earned the trust of Ash's family and carried immense power in shaping the region's destiny. Together, they formed a formidable council:

Nate Grey (Normal) Felix Honda (Fighting) Aera Nagi (Flying) Blade Surudoi (Poison) Earnest Shirona (Ground) Radium Iwara (Rock) Surch Slater (Bug) Shade Kageyama (Ghost) Luke Stone (Steel) Helen Gravy (Fire) Reisa Mikuri (Water) Jane Rose (Grass) Elline Volt (Electric) Daniel Tulip (Psychic) Lillie Aether (Ice) Lucine Shaga (Dragon) Terry Turner (Dark) Flora Mache (Fairy)

These representatives wielded unmatched power in their respective types, their loyalty to Ash's family unshakable.

During their travels, Ash and Lillie received an unexpected visit from Arceus. The Alpha Pokémon revealed that it had gathered all the Chosen Pokémon the two had met throughout their journeys. With its blessing, Ash and Lillie were allowed to capture these Pokémon without needing to return to their respective regions. Each Pokémon was already in its evolved form, making their team even stronger. To further empower them, Arceus bestowed upon Ash all the Mega Stones, Z-Crystals, and Gigantamax forms, ensuring he could unlock the full potential of his Pokémon. With these gifts, Ash and Lillie prepared themselves to face the challenges ahead.

Eager to prove their might, Ash challenged all the Gym Leaders and the Elite Four of the Sevestar Region. While not all Gym Leaders were Aura representatives, some were Ash's own siblings, each astonished by the strength and determination he displayed in battle. One by one, Ash triumphed over the region's toughest trainers, his victories showcasing not only his skill but also the trust and bond he shared with his Pokémon. His journey culminated in a final battle against the Sevestar Champion—a grueling match that ended with Ash emerging victorious. His title as Champion wasn't just a mark of his strength; it was a symbol of unity, resilience, and the unwavering resolve of an Aura Guardian. As the new Champion of the Sevestar Region, Ash was ready to lead his people into an uncertain future, with Lillie by his side.

Outside the Sevestar Region, the revelation of Ash as an Aura User sent shockwaves through the world. The Pokémon League Association (PLA), outraged by the exposure, began a global campaign to uncover every hidden Aura User. Their search revealed that many prominent figures, including Steven, Wallace, Cynthia, Diantha, and even some Gym Leaders and Elite Four members, were secretly Aura Users. Fortunately, Adam acted swiftly. With the help of the Sevestar Region's resources, he rescued these leaders, bringing them to the safety of Sevestar Island, where they now rested alongside the other Aura Users. The world's governments, enraged by their defiance, launched relentless attacks, sending fleets of battleships toward the island. Yet none survived the island's iron defense, their forces crushed before they could breach its shores.

Ash's former companions, meanwhile, grappled with guilt. They blamed themselves for being blind to Ash's true identity, but instead of supporting him, they cast aside their friendship. Their betrayal had left a deep scar, but Ash had moved on. With Lillie as his wife and surrounded by true friends and siblings who stood by him, he swore to make them pay for their hatred and ignorance.

Four months had passed since Ash and Lillie's wedding. Standing on the balcony of their castle, Ash stared out at the vast sea and the Pokémon roaming freely across the lands below. The sight was beautiful, yet his heart felt heavy.

"Ash?" Lillie's gentle voice broke his thoughts. Turning, he saw his princess approaching, concern etched across her face. "Are you thinking about that day again?"

"I can't help it, Lillie," Ash admitted, his voice low. "It's been six months since my mom was killed… and I lost everything."

Lillie placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "You didn't lose everything. You still have your father, your friends here, and me."

Ash managed a faint smile at her words but frowned as his thoughts drifted back. "You're right… but still, what did we do to deserve this hatred from the other regions?"

Lillie looked out toward the horizon, her expression mirroring his. "I've asked myself the same question. No matter how kind we try to be, they see us as monsters."

Ash's frown deepened as he recalled the battle a week ago. Leading the Aura Users against an invasion from Hoenn had come at a steep cost. They had successfully defended the region, but the losses were staggering. Many brave warriors had fallen, and their forces were still recovering from the aftermath.

Ash clenched his fist, his voice steady but filled with bitterness. "Because of what our ancestors did, Aura Guardians are treated like devils. And because of our powers, they're terrified we'll unleash our rage and destroy them. So, they decided to strike first… to get rid of us before we could even defend ourselves."

"But this is so messed up…" Lillie whispered, her voice trembling as tears welled in her eyes. Ash's heart ached at the sight, and he pulled her into a comforting embrace.

"I know…" he murmured, his tone soft but resolute. "But I don't care what they think anymore. Every time they attack us for no reason, they're the ones losing their armies, their people. It's their choice. How about we stop dwelling on them for now? What's Snowy up to?"

Lillie wiped her tears, her voice steadier. "Snowy's with Pikachu. They've been training together so they can help us in the next battle."

Ash nodded approvingly. "Good. But… I just wish there was a way to stop this war. To end the bloodshed."

"Me too," Lillie agreed. "But… every time I hope for peace, it feels so far away. Have you tried talking to the newer Champions? Or even Mr. Goodshow?"

"I have," Ash admitted with a sigh. "I offered a peace talk, but they refused. To them, we're monsters that need to be eliminated, no matter what."

Lillie frowned, her voice hesitant. "And… what about our human friends? The ones we used to trust? Can't they do anything?"

Ash shook his head slowly, his expression unreadable but heavy with sadness. "They're gone, Lillie. Whatever connection we had, it's lost. They've chosen their side."

The room fell silent for a moment, the weight of his words sinking in. Just then, the door creaked open, and Ash's younger sister, Golly, stepped inside.

"Brother, Lillie," Golly said, her tone urgent but calm. "Father has called for a meeting."

Ash nodded. "We'll be there, Golly."

He turned to Lillie, offering her a reassuring smile before they followed Golly out of the room, heading toward the conference room deep within the castle.

In the conference room, Ash and Lillie took their seats next to Golly and Gladion. Around the table sat Tobias, Mark, Minami, Insey, and Trenor, all with grim expressions. At the head of the table, Adam opened the meeting.

"Let's begin," Adam said. "Tobias, the floor is yours."

Tobias stood, his voice heavy with sorrow. "Yesterday, the invasion from the Hoenn Region finally ended. We suffered devastating losses—237 humans and Pokémon killed in the process."

Mark clenched his fists on the table, his frustration barely contained. "We can't keep losing like this. Every guardian, every Pokémon we lose brings us closer to collapse."

"And the enemy's tactics are only getting worse," Tobias continued grimly. "They're not just using their own Pokémon anymore. They've enslaved Aura Guardians to fight for them. These brainwashed guardians are told that their ancestors were evil and that they must pay for their supposed sins by fighting and dying on the battlefield."

The room fell into a heavy silence. Adam broke it with a deep sigh. "This only proves that the fight will grow harder with every passing day." He turned his gaze to Ash. "What about the peace talks? Any word from the other Champions?"

Ash's expression darkened. "None of them are willing to negotiate. Neither the Champions nor Mr. Goodshow will even entertain the idea of peace. They all claim they want my elimination. Every single one of them has openly stated how humiliated they are to have lost to me in the World Championships. They've made it clear that their only goal is to destroy me."

"So that's their mindset…" Adam muttered, shaking his head in disapproval.

Insey raised her hand tentatively. "Father, we have Legendary Pokémon on our side. Why can't we use them to eliminate our enemies?"

Adam's glare was sharp and immediate. "Because that would mean genocide, Insey. To destroy all our enemies, we'd have to kill not only those who wronged us but also innocent people, Pokémon, and even Aura Guardians who have nothing to do with this war. We will not stoop to their level."

Lillie spoke up, her voice soft but filled with conviction. "People hate us because they don't understand us. And they refuse to try. To them, we're nothing more than monsters and devils with uncontrollable powers."

Minami leaned back in her chair, her tone laced with sarcasm. "Thanks for stating the obvious, Lillie. But that hasn't helped us stop the invasions, has it? All they do is attack and kill. I'm sick of fighting a war we didn't start."

As the meeting dragged on, Ash's thoughts drifted to the past. Memories of his travels, carefree days with his mother, and victories in Gyms and Leagues played in his mind like fragments of a dream. Those days felt unreal now, like a different lifetime. He lamented having to wake up from that dream and face the harsh reality of the present.

When the meeting finally adjourned, Adam gestured for Ash and Lillie to remain behind. The room emptied until only the three of them were left.

"What's the matter, Father?" Ash asked, sensing the heaviness in his father's demeanor.

Adam sighed, his voice carrying the weight of his burden. "Ash, Lillie… I need you to be honest with me. Do you enjoy being sent to the front lines, killing our enemies, simply because they attacked us first?"

"Of course not," Ash replied, his tone firm but somber. "But we have no choice. I've already lost Mom… I don't want to lose anyone else."

Adam nodded slowly, his eyes filled with grief. "I miss your mother every single day. Without her, I wouldn't be the king I am now. And sometimes… sometimes I want to leave this island, unleash 'The Rumbling,' and destroy all of our enemies in one fell swoop. But doing that… it would only fuel the hatred between us and the nine regions."

Lillie's voice was soft but resolute. "Isn't there any way to end the war that started 2,000 years ago?"

Adam looked at her with a weary expression. "I wish there was. That's why you both are so important, Ash and Lillie. You've traveled to the nine regions and returned safely. You've seen the world in ways most of us haven't."

Ash nodded thoughtfully. "That's true. What if we leave Sevestar Island again? Maybe there's something out there—something we can do to stop this war."

Adam studied his son carefully. He knew Ash was not the type to sit idly by, confined to one place. "Do you think you'll be able to come back alive after leaving this region?"

Ash's expression hardened with determination. "I don't know… but I won't give up until it's over."

Lillie placed a hand on Ash's arm, her voice unwavering. "If Ash is going, I'm going too. I won't leave him, not after everything he's been through—and not after how those traitors turned their backs on him."

Adam exhaled deeply, nodding. He could see their resolve and knew there was no stopping them. "Very well," he said. "Go, but be careful. The world outside these shores isn't forgiving. Remember, you carry the hopes of everyone here."

Later that night, under the cover of darkness, Ash and Lillie slipped out of the region. Mounted on their Rapidash, they began their secret mission to infiltrate the outside world once more, their hearts set on finding a way to end the war and protect those they loved.

After six months of traveling undetected, Ash and Lillie returned to Sevestar Island with groundbreaking news. The representatives gathered in the castle's grand hall, anticipation and unease thick in the air.

"So you're saying the current World Monarch, Leon Dande, wants to help us?" Nate, the Normal Aura User representative, asked skeptically. "Are you sure he can be trusted? He's the World Champion, and he's killed plenty of us!"

Elline, the Electric Aura representative, folded her arms. "I agree. He nearly defeated our prince, Ash Ketchum, back in the World Championships. What if this is just another ploy?"

Adam raised a hand to quiet the murmurs. "Leon's willingness to negotiate stems from one simple fact—Ash is the only one who ever defeated him. He approached us in secret, without the knowledge of the Galar Region's people. Furthermore, he shared critical information about the Infinity Gems and an upcoming announcement of war."

"Infinity Gems?" Reisa, the Water Aura representative, scoffed. "Those are just myths! How can we trust they'll have the power to change anything?"

"And why bother when we could simply have Ash activate the Rumbling?" Flora, the Fairy Aura representative, interjected. "It's far more direct."

Ash stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding. "Father, a few days ago, Arceus appeared to me in a dream. He spoke of the responsibilities of the Grand Guardians. The Rumbling can only be activated if I manage to meet every single Pokémon in the world, including every Legendary and Mythical Pokémon. While I can still choose to unleash it, I believe we should first consider the potential of the Infinity Gems. Our immediate concern is the upcoming announcement."

Adam narrowed his eyes. "What does Leon plan to do?"

Ash's expression darkened. "Leon warned us that Mr. Goodshow intends to set bombs beneath the seats of politicians during an upcoming summit. He'll frame us for the attack, uniting the world against us and justifying a full-scale invasion of Sevestar Island."

A wave of outrage swept through the room. Representatives exchanged angry glances, their voices overlapping in heated discussion.

"That's outrageous!" Nate growled.
"They'll blame us for everything!" Elline snapped.
"This can't go unchallenged!" Flora added.

Adam raised his voice over the clamor. "Enough! We must play our cards carefully. If Goodshow's plan succeeds, we'll be left defenseless."

The room fell into tense silence as the representatives nodded in agreement. Ash and Lillie prepared to return to the Galar Region, where the summit was to be held.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the countryside in hues of orange and gold, Lillie turned to Ash. "So, Ash, what's our plan? What are we doing first?"

Ash's eyes narrowed, his resolve unshaken. "There's someone I need to meet before we play into their attack."

Lillie's curiosity flickered, but she trusted him. Together, they set off, ready to face the storm brewing in the shadows.

Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, Ash and Lillie hear the plans of Goodshow, and the Aura Users refuse to be the ones who was being attacked. What is going to happen in the next chapter? I hope you like this chapter.