Chapter 8

Gary emerged from the battlefield atop his Rhyperior, his silhouette cutting through the smoke and chaos. His presence drew immediate attention.

"Gary! You're here to help us!" Bonnie and Max cried out, their voices filled with relief and hope.

Ash's eyes narrowed as he watched Gary approach. "Just great. Another problem," he muttered. Raising his hand, his voice grew commanding. "Marshadow! I need your assistance!"

The shadows around Ash stirred, dark tendrils creeping across the ground before Marshadow emerged, its glowing eyes fixed on the battlefield. Without hesitation, Ash placed a Z-Crystal into his Z-Ring and struck a fierce pose. "Soul-Stealing Seven Star Strike!"

Marshadow vanished, reappearing in a flurry of ghostly energy. The devastating attack struck Rhyperior with pinpoint accuracy, engulfing it in a blinding burst of power. Rhyperior roared in pain as it collapsed, sending Gary tumbling to the ground.

Gary struggled to push himself up, gritting his teeth against the pain. Blood dripped from his forehead as he glared at Ash. "Damn… You really don't hold back, do you?" he growled, his voice hoarse.

Ash watched him carefully, his breathing steady despite the exhaustion etched on his face. "Return! All of you," he commanded, recalling his Pokémon in beams of red light. His expression softened, his voice quieter now. "This is it. I'm out of strength. Gary… shouldn't be able to kill us right now."

The battlefield seemed to freeze, the tension between Ash and Gary thick enough to cut with a knife. They locked eyes, an unspoken understanding passing between them.

Lillie stepped forward, her voice gentle but firm. "Ash… Let's go back. Back to our home."

Ash didn't break his gaze from Gary. After a long moment, he nodded. "Gary… I'll see you later."

Without another word, Ash turned and leapt onto the airship's ladder with Lillie. The two ascended, leaving the broken battlefield below as the airship began to lift into the sky.

Onboard the airship, chaos erupted as Luke barked orders to the Aura Users. "Protect the airship from the enemy below! Use every last shot you've got!"

Explosions rocked the vessel as incoming fire from below intensified. Aura Users scrambled to man the ship's defenses, releasing their Pokémon and counterattacking with desperate precision.

As the airship ascended into the night sky, Brock, Goh, and Chloe watched from below. The sounds of the battlefield began to fade, replaced by an eerie silence.

"They're retreating," Brock said, his voice heavy with exhaustion. "Does this mean we're safe?"

"They're running away…" Goh muttered, his fists clenched. His expression darkened, rage taking hold. Without warning, he bolted toward the nearest building, his focus locked on the airship disappearing into the distance.

"Goh! Wait!" Chloe called out, panic in her voice as she chased after him.

"Ash Ketchum!" Goh screamed, his voice echoing through the empty streets. "You're not getting away! I'm going to kill you!"

Back on the airship, the atmosphere was tense. The Aura Users were silent, their faces grim as they nursed their wounds or stared blankly into the distance. Ash and Lillie stood near the edge of the command room, exhaustion etched into their features.

Tobias approached Ash, his expression unreadable. "Geez… you're looking really filthy right now."

Ash turned to face his older brother but didn't react fast enough as Tobias lashed out with a sharp kick, sending him sprawling to the floor.

"Ash!" Lillie shouted, glaring at Tobias as she knelt to help Ash to his feet.

Ash shook his head weakly, his voice low. "I deserve it. This was a reckless plan."

"It was reckless," Tobias agreed, his tone sharp. "But in the end, it worked."

Gladion leaned against the wall, letting out a tired sigh. "Three years of defending ourselves, and we finally got to take the offense. It feels… satisfying."

Golly walked into the room, her gaze scanning the group. "Is everyone accounted for?"

Eve nodded. "Aside from the 20 we lost, everyone's on board."

Ash gritted his teeth, his hands curling into fists. "We still lost 20…" His voice trembled with suppressed anger.

Reisa stepped forward, placing a hand on her hip. "But think about what we accomplished. This is nothing compared to the damage we dealt. It's a victory for us Aura Guardians!"

A cheer broke out among the Aura Users, their voices filling the air with a rare sense of relief. The tension of the battlefield seemed to fade for a moment as they celebrated their survival and success.

Alice stood near the window, staring out at the clouds. Her voice was quiet but carried a somber weight. "I wonder… how many more people we'll have to kill before this ends."

Ash, standing beside her, didn't look away from the horizon. "I want to know that too," he murmured.

Mark approached, his expression softening. "What matters is that we survived again. It's not fair to those we lost, but everyone here is special to us. That's why we keep going."

Lillie sighed, her shoulders sagging slightly. "Good thing Minami, Insey, and Trenor didn't come with us. I really hope they're able to defend the island while we're here."

Tobias offered a rare smile, his tone lighter than before. "Don't worry. Thanks to what we've done, the Galarian forces are retreating to their region. No war will reach Sevestar Island."

Goh was still running, his fury burning hotter with every step. He reached for his Pokéball, calling out, "Aerodactyl!" The ancient Pokémon materialized with a roar, wings unfurling, but before Goh could mount it, Chloe grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back.

"That's enough, Goh!" she shouted. "They're flying away. Running after them is pointless. Even you know that!"

Goh spun around, his face twisted with rage. "But they killed Iris! They killed Mr. Goodshow! They even killed Leon! We've been trying to make the world a better place, and those Aura Users ruined everything! They attacked us during the meeting—our meeting to unite the regions! How is that forgivable?"

Chloe hesitated, her grip tightening on Goh's arm. "Goh, they're doing this because of revenge. Don't you get it? We've been attacking them for years, killing their people. A lot of Aura Users have died because of us!"

Goh's eyes narrowed, his voice cold and cutting. "Did you… see it happen?"

Chloe faltered, her voice dropping. "I didn't…"

"Neither did I," Goh said flatly, breaking free from her grasp. He climbed onto Aerodactyl's back, his glare unwavering. "But that doesn't change anything. They're just island devils who threaten world peace. You know that! They're cruel devils who've always deserved to die. They're nothing like us!"

As those words left his mouth, Chloe's breath caught. Memories flooded her mind—moments of Ash laughing with them in her father's lab, helping with Pokémon research, and fighting for others. The Ash she remembered didn't align with Goh's words. She shook her head, her heart sinking as Aerodactyl spread its wings and prepared to take off.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Chloe yelled, panic seeping into her voice. "Don't tell me you're planning to board the airship!"

"I'm gonna kill those island devils!" Goh declared, his voice filled with conviction.

"You'll just end up dead, idiot!" Chloe shouted back.

Goh didn't even look at her as he replied, his tone eerily calm. "Tell my mom and dad, your father, and the others… tell them I fought till the end. Even if I sacrifice myself, you guys will carry on my will."

Chloe stared at him in disbelief, her heart pounding. "What the hell is he saying?" she muttered under her breath, her mind racing. Without another thought, she grabbed her own Pokéball. "Altaria, let's go!"

Altaria emerged in a flash of light, its melodic cry cutting through the tension. Chloe climbed onto its back and soared into the air after Goh. "Chloe? Why are you following me?" Goh asked, looking back in surprise.

"Do you think I'm going to let you go alone?" Chloe yelled, anger and desperation mixing in her voice. "You're my friend, you idiot! If you're throwing your life away, I'm coming with you!"

The metallic clang of footsteps echoed through the airship's corridors, causing Eve, Alice, and Tobias to freeze. Eve's eyes darted toward the sound. "What is that?"

Tobias frowned, his expression hardening. "Someone's here."

The three moved cautiously toward the noise, but as they rounded the corner, they were met with a chilling sight—Goh, his rifle already aimed. Before anyone could react, he pulled the trigger.

The sharp crack of the shot rang out, and Alice staggered backward. Her hands flew to her stomach, blood seeping through her fingers. She gasped, a look of shock crossing her face before she collapsed.

"Alice!" Eve's scream pierced the air as she rushed to her sister's side, panic consuming her.

Goh's hands trembled as he lowered the rifle, his face pale with horror. Chloe stood frozen beside him, her breath caught in her throat as she processed what had just happened.

"Alice! Hang in there!" Eve cried, shaking her desperately. Her voice cracked, tears streaming down her face.

Tobias's expression twisted with fury. He grabbed a Pokéball and released his Darkrai. "Darkrai, Embargo!" he roared.

Darkrai's shadowy form surged forward, wrenching the rifle from Goh's grasp. It clattered to the ground as other Aura Users appeared, their expressions filled with rage. Without hesitation, they lunged toward Goh, fists flying.

Chloe cowered against the wall, her body trembling with fear. The Aura Users didn't turn their attention to her, but Tobias cast a cold glance in her direction. "Darkrai, Dark Void."

The shadows enveloped Chloe, and her body slumped to the floor as sleep took her.

Eve's sobs filled the corridor as she cradled Alice, her tears falling onto her sister's bloodied clothes. "Alice, please wake up! Please, hang in there!"

Tobias knelt beside her, his face grim. "Alice, stay with us! You're going to make it, I promise!"

Alice's lips moved, her voice barely a whisper. "You're… so damn loud…"

Eve and Tobias froze, their hearts leaping at the faint sound. Alice's pale face turned toward Tobias, her breaths shallow and labored. Blood pooled beneath her, staining her back and the floor.

"Tobias…" Alice struggled to speak, her words slurring. "Ash is… safe, right?"

Tobias's jaw clenched as he nodded. "He's safe. Just stay with us, Alice."

"Someone get me a healer! Use Recover, now!" Tobias barked, turning to the other Aura Users. A group of Normal Users rushed forward, their Pokémon desperately attempting to heal her wounds with glowing light.

Eve clasped Alice's hand, her voice cracking. "Alice, please… Please make it back to the island."

Alice's breath hitched as her eyes began to glaze over, the light within them fading. Her voice was faint, almost inaudible, as she muttered her final word: "Ketchum…" Her hand slipped from Eve's grasp, falling limp.

Luke grabbed Goh by the collar, dragging him forward with little effort. "They snuck onto our airship with that Aerodactyl of theirs," he said, his tone cold. "Should I toss them overboard, all right?"

Tobias glared at him, his expression hard as stone. "No," he said sharply. "If we throw them out, the killing will never end. Besides, if I recall, these two were Ash's lab partners in the past."

"Don't touch me, you devils!" Goh shouted, his voice filled with rage. He struggled against the ropes binding him, his movements wild and desperate. "We haven't lost yet! The rest of our comrades will carry on the will of our World Champion, Leon!"

Chloe stirred, slowly opening her eyes. Dazed, she saw that both she and Goh were tied tightly. "Goh, stop!" she cried, her voice laced with fear.

"We'll haunt you till you die!" Goh yelled, ignoring her. His voice cracked with defiance. "Pass that on to your ringleader after I'm dead!"

Tobias stepped closer, his tone low and commanding. "You want to deliver a message? Fine. I'll take you to them. You can tell them exactly what you just told me." He gestured to Luke, who dragged Goh and Chloe across the airship, ignoring their protests.

The two were forced into a room, and to their shock, they found Lillie, Ash, and Leon inside.

"Goh? Chloe? Why are you here?" Leon asked, his voice tinged with surprise.

"Leon? But… how… why?" Chloe stammered, her mind racing to comprehend the sight in front of her.

"You're still alive?" Goh said, his tone turning accusatory. "Why did you let them capture you? Why aren't you fighting back?!"

Leon frowned, his expression somber. "It's not as simple as that, Goh."

Ash's eyes narrowed as he stepped closer. "Goh… Chloe… I didn't think you two would've been in the stadium."

Tobias stepped forward, his voice steady but grim. "They snuck onto the airship using their Pokémon. And…" He hesitated, lowering his head. "Alice was shot by Goh. I don't think she's going to make it."

The words hit like a thunderclap. Ash and Lillie froze, their faces paling. Without a word, they dashed out of the room, their urgency palpable as they disappeared down the corridor.

Tobias turned to Leon, his eyes narrowing with a cold intensity. "Well? Did everything play out as you hoped, Leon Dande?"

Goh and Chloe froze, their disbelief evident. "What…?" Goh whispered, his voice barely audible as his mind struggled to process what he was hearing.

Leon sighed, leaning back slightly. "For the most part, yes. But there were… a few miscalculations," he admitted, his tone calm, almost detached.

"Leon…?" Goh's voice cracked, his shock giving way to anger. "What are you saying?"

Tobias's glare deepened, his tone sharp and accusing. "To cover up your little spy act, you killed a lot of our people with that Gigantamax Charizard of yours." His voice dropped into a growl. "Eve had to stab a few more needles because of it. Do you have any idea how much blood was spilled because of you?"

Leon met Tobias's gaze without flinching. "And yet, you destroyed their ports and crippled their forces. That should buy Sevestar some time."

"Until the world launches a joint attack on us?" Tobias snapped, his fists clenching. "You're delusional if you think that's a victory. Do you know how badly I want to kill you right now? The only reason you're still alive is because Ash and Father want it that way!"

Leon's expression remained composed, though there was a flicker of guilt in his eyes. "The cost of those sacrifices…" he muttered, "will be repaid through Sevestar's freedom."

"Please! Just wake up, Alice!" Ash shouted, desperation choking his voice. In another room, he hovered over Alice's lifeless body, his hands glowing as he repeatedly used Recover. But the blood loss was too severe—the move wasn't working.

"Don't you dare die! Alice! Wake up!" he yelled again, his voice cracking with anguish. But it was too late. The faint sound of Alice's heartbeat ceased, and silence fell over the room.

"Alice… is dead…" Mark muttered, a single tear slipping down his cheek. The weight of the words hit the room like a physical blow, leaving everyone in stunned silence.

Ash's face twisted in denial as he screamed, "No! I won't believe it!" He reached for Alice again, intent on using Recover once more, but Eve and Lillie grabbed him, pulling him back.

"That's enough, Ash!" Eve cried, her voice trembling as tears streaked her face.

"Alice…" Ash whispered, his hands falling limp. Then, like a dam breaking, he let out a primal roar of agony, the sound reverberating through the airship. Everyone froze, shaken by the raw grief in his cry.

Without warning, Ash staggered to his feet and stormed out of the room, his fury propelling him forward. The others called after him, but he didn't stop.

The door to the next room burst open, startling everyone inside. Tobias turned, his sharp gaze landing on Ash's contorted face. "Ash? What's wrong?" he asked, his tone wary.

But Ash didn't answer. He strode forward, grabbed Goh by the collar, and delivered a brutal punch to his face. Goh stumbled back, too shocked to react.

"Because of you!" Ash roared, his voice filled with rage. "Alice is dead! Haven't you done enough damage?! Just because we're Aura Users, you call us devils and kill us without a second thought! My mom was killed, and now my friend is dead because of you!"

Goh sat frozen, blood trickling from his lip as Ash's words slammed into him. Before Ash could lash out again, Lillie rushed forward, shoving him back. "Ash, stop!" she cried, her hands pressing against his chest.

But Ash's fury burned hotter. "I'll never forgive you!" he yelled, his voice breaking. "You call us devils, but you're worse than us!"

Tears welled in Lillie's eyes, but she stood firm. "I'm sorry, Ash," she whispered. Then she began to sing, her voice soft and melodic. Ash's body tensed, his anger momentarily subsiding as the melody took hold. Slowly, his eyes closed, and he collapsed into her arms, fast asleep.

Lillie laid Ash down gently, then turned to Goh and Chloe, her gaze cold and unforgiving. "True, we've killed many of your people. Maybe that makes us devils," she said, her voice sharp. "But if you'd just left us alone, none of this would have happened."

Chloe lowered her head, shame and regret evident on her face. Goh, still too stunned to speak, avoided her gaze.

Lillie's voice softened, but her words cut deep. "Ash wasn't always like this. He wasn't merciless. He'd never harm a person or a Pokémon unless there was no other choice. Without him, I'd still be lost in the woods with a pained knee. I wouldn't have been able to touch Pokémon because of my fear. I wouldn't have overcome my losses in Contests and Showcases. He changed my life. And all we ever wanted was to travel the world, just like anyone else. But you…" Her voice grew bitter. "You killed his mother. You forced us out of the nine regions. You called us devils when all we wanted was to live."

She turned to Leon, her glare piercing. "You should be grateful that none of the Ketchum family has unleashed the Rumbling yet."

Leon nodded solemnly, guilt etched into his features. "I know," he said quietly. "I'm ashamed of everything that's happened. That's why I need your help with the plan. To end this."

Lillie didn't respond. Instead, she turned her icy gaze back to Goh and Chloe. "Because of you, I'm no longer the Lillie, Dawn, or Serena you knew all those years ago." Her words hung heavy in the air as she dragged Ash out of the room, leaving Goh and Chloe behind to grapple with the weight of their actions.

Here is a new chapter, and even though Alice is my favorite OC that I wrote in my fanfics, I have to let her get killed for the sake of the story. You can see how Ash is really angry about her death. I hope you like this chapter.