Chapter 11

The Gym Leaders and Elite Four members of the Sevestar League aren't the same as the Representatives. The League members typically issue challenges to trainers aiming to conquer the league, while Representatives handle the political affairs of the Sevestar Region.

The Leaders are Nate (Normal), Insey (Bug), Flora (Grass), Felix (Fighting), Reisa (Water), Elline (Electric), Trenor (Ground), David (Steel), Luke (Rock), Helen (Fire), Ariel (Dark), Golly (Ghost), East (Flying), Bryce (Ice), Blade (Poison), Daniel (Psychic), Minami (Fairy), and Lucine (Dragon).

The Elite Four are Eve (Grass/Dark), Drandon (Dragon/Flying), Mark (Fighting/Water), and Alice (Ice/Fairy). However, with Alice's passing, the League must select a new Elite Four member to represent Ice and Fairy types.

Ash stepped forward, his expression resolute. "And that's why Lillie will be Alice's successor as the new Elite Four member."

The room fell silent, everyone stunned. Golly furrowed his brow. "Are you sure, Lillie? I mean... I thought you didn't want to be part of the League, like Ash."

Lillie met Golly's gaze with a calm determination. "That was in the past," she replied. "Alice was my best friend, and I want to honor her wishes. That's why I've decided to take her place."

Flora smiled warmly. "The Pokémon you like to use are almost identical to Alice's. It's no wonder you're the perfect choice."

Eve chuckled softly. "Though I doubt anyone will even make it to you. We are the strongest League in the world, even if people outside this region refuse to admit it."

"That could be a problem," Ash added, his tone serious. "But it's true—we are among the best battlers of this era. We're also the ones going to the front lines. Since our attack in Wyndon, all nine regions are planning to team up and strike back. Based on their movements, I estimate they'll attack us in two to three months."

Daniel bowed slightly. "Prince Ash, I'm sorry, but as a member of the Aura Families gifted with the ability to glimpse the future, I must inform you—they will come within a month."

Ash's eyes narrowed. "A month? Daniel, I know your visions are rarely wrong, but how can they possibly be ready to attack in just one month?"

Daniel explained, his tone somber. "It's because they know we expect them to take two to three months to prepare. They're planning a sneak attack to catch us off guard."

Felix folded his arms, nodding thoughtfully. "That does make sense. If I were in their position, I'd definitely aim for a surprise attack too."

Ash clenched his fists, determination gleaming in his eyes. "Very well. That means we need to train harder and ensure we don't lose any more comrades on this island. I also have critical news to share with you all." He paused, his voice dropping to a grave tone. "I have the power to activate the Rumbling."

The room fell into stunned silence, broken only by the collective gasp of everyone except Ash's siblings. East leaned forward, his expression a mix of awe and concern. "Does that mean you know how to use it, Ash?"

Ash nodded, his voice steady. "Two hours ago, I had a meeting with Arceus. I sought answers to two things: the Infinity Gems and the Rumbling. Arceus confirmed that I meet all the conditions to initiate the Rumbling. If they attack, the Rumbling will not only defend us but could also destroy all the other regions outside Sevestar."

The weight of his words hung in the air as the group absorbed the implications. However, they eventually resumed their usual discussions, continuing to plan for the future.

Once the meeting concluded, Ash and Lillie retreated to the president's office of the RPA Company. The office reflected their shared vision for Sevestar Island. The RPA Company, established by Ash and Lillie, was their initiative to transform the island into a recognized region. Its services and welfare programs, along with strategies for economic growth, were key to achieving their goal.

Ash sat at the table, glancing up as Lillie entered the room dressed in a sleek secretary outfit. His brow raised slightly. "What's with that outfit?"

Lillie placed a stack of documents on the desk and tilted her head with a playful smile. "Why? I'm your secretary, and it's my job to help you with the region's business."

"Yeah, but…" Ash's eyes lingered for a moment, taking in her appearance—a crisp white blouse, a short black skirt, leggings, and high heels. He couldn't help but grin. "I've gotta say, you look really sexy in that outfit."

"You think so?" Lillie smirked, leaning slightly closer. "I hope it won't distract you from getting your work done. Finish those papers, and I might just give you a reward."

Ash pouted, crossing his arms. "Fine, but you'd better help me with this."

Lillie chuckled softly, pulling up a chair beside him. "Of course. Let's get started."

The two began sifting through the reports, their teamwork evident as they tackled the stack of papers together.

Back at Gary's lab, Ash's former travel companions gathered together. Gary, now fully healed, stood among them as they faced Chairman Rose, who had called for the meeting.

"After investigating Wyndon Stadium, we found no trace of Leon's body," Rose began, his tone grave. "However, we discovered that the bombs used in the attack were stolen from my company. We believe Leon is the one who took them and has allied himself with Sevestar's enemy forces. He escaped on their airship."

A tense silence filled the room as the weight of Rose's words sank in. Sensing their unease, Rose continued, "This meeting was supposed to be a closely guarded secret, yet the devils of Sevestar knew about it and struck at the precise moment. I doubt Ash Ketchum or his wife could have infiltrated such high security so easily. And let's not forget—Hop and his family have been missing since the meeting."

Max clenched his fists, his voice trembling with anger. "Damn it! Leon—the strongest trainer and the World Champion—a traitor? How could he do this?"

Rose's expression hardened. "Regardless, we cannot let this end here. In three months, the global military alliance will launch a full-scale mopping-up operation against Sevestar Island."

Misty's eyes widened with worry. "Three months? Does that mean we have to wait that long to rescue Goh and Chloe?"

Rose closed his eyes, exhaling deeply. "The chances of victory are slim if we attack Sevestar independently. Every attempt to confront them has ended in failure."

Gary stepped forward, his gaze sharp. "Ash and Lillie are probably thinking the same thing. They know the world's army won't attack immediately after such a devastating loss. They're undoubtedly planning something during these three months."

Gary's voice grew firm, filled with conviction. "But we can't wait for the world's army to get ready. If we hesitate, we'll lose any chance of gaining the upper hand. We need to strike Sevestar now."

His determination lit a spark in the room. One by one, the others nodded, their resolve hardening as they looked to Gary for guidance.

The next day, Ash and Lillie led Chloe into a mysterious, mist-filled room. Chloe hesitated, glancing around nervously. "What is this place?" she asked, her voice trembling.

"This is the Chamber of Aura," Ash explained, his tone serious. "A sacred space that transforms ordinary humans into Aura users. And this is going to be your punishment for sneaking into our region."

Chloe's face paled, and she stammered, "Y-you want me to become an Aura user… like you?"

Lillie stepped forward, her expression calm yet firm. "Having Aura isn't a curse, Chloe. It's a gift—a connection that deepens your bond with Pokémon and reveals the truth of the world. Last night, Leon and his family underwent the transformation, becoming Aura users like us. So have others we've brought into the region: Lance, Alder, Geeta, and Director Clavell."

Chloe's eyes widened as recognition dawned. Those names—they were the same people reported missing, supposedly killed by Aura users. Were they alive all this time?

Lillie continued, "Lance's family are now Dragon Aura users. Alder is Bug, Leon is Fire, Geeta is Rock, and Director Clavell is Psychic. They're living here on the island, helping us with development and military training."

Ash crossed his arms and added, "Outside this region, those who sympathize with Aura users are hunted down and killed. Your parents are in danger too. The protective shield won't hold much longer, and the government is likely waiting for it to fall so they can finish them off."

Chloe's stomach churned as dread washed over her. She looked between Ash and Lillie, torn between fear and resolve. Finally, she took a deep breath. "Fine," she said quietly. "I'll do it. If becoming a devil like you is what it takes to protect my parents, then so be it."

Ash and Lillie exchanged approving smiles. They stepped out of the room, sealing the door behind them. Through a speaker, Ash's voice echoed in the chamber. "Chloe, your transformation is about to begin. Just stay still and let the process complete."

Chloe nodded and closed her eyes. She winced as beams of energy struck her from every direction, sharp and searing. The pain was intense, but she gritted her teeth and endured it. When the process finally ended, Ash and Lillie returned to the chamber.

Ash extended his hand to help her up, only to feel a slight jolt as their hands touched. He grinned. "Well, Chloe, congratulations. You're now an Electric-Type Aura user."

Chloe blinked, still dazed. "Electric Type? What does that mean?"

"It means electricity is now your weapon," Lillie explained. "You can create thunderstorms, disable electronics, and much more."

Chloe nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "So, can I use these powers to save my family now?"

"Of course," Ash assured her. "But we'll go with you. You're not trained yet, and you'll need guidance."

Chloe tightened her fists, her resolve strengthening. "Then let's do it."

After the meeting with Rose, Gary arrived in Vermilion City, anxiety gripping him as he thought about Chloe's parents. Goh's parents had already died a year ago, fueling Goh's unrelenting desire to eliminate Aura users as an act of revenge. But when Gary reached Professor Cerise's lab, a chilling sight awaited him—police officers swarming the area, tearing the lab apart.

"What's going on here?" Gary demanded, stopping one of the officers.

The officer glanced at him coldly. "Orders from the government. Since Goh and Chloe betrayed the Kanto region by boarding the enemy airship, their parents will pay for their actions."

Gary's eyes widened. "You've got it wrong! Goh snuck onto that airship because he wanted to kill the Aura users himself. Chloe only followed because she was worried he couldn't do it alone."

The officer shrugged dismissively. "That may be true, but they should have informed the Kanto government first. Goh's parents might already be dead, but Professor Cerise and his family are still unaccounted for."

Gary's heart sank at the officer's words, a wave of despair washing over him. Before he could respond, the sky darkened ominously. Lightning flashed, followed by deafening thunder, and the officers screamed as bolts of electricity struck them, leaving nothing but scorched remains.

Gary stumbled back, horrified. "What the…?"

Rushing outside, he was met with a ferocious thunderstorm pouring over Vermilion City. Lightning rained down, targeting the officers, while in the distance, a familiar figure stood amidst the chaos.

"Ash?" Gary gasped, his shock quickly turning to anger. "Did you summon this thunderstorm with your Aura powers?"

Ash stepped forward, his expression calm but intimidating. "I'm not the one who summoned the storm. I'm here for Professor Cerise and his family."

"As if I'd let you take them away!" Gary snapped, reaching for Electivire's Poké Ball. Before he could release it, Ash's voice cut through, sharp and commanding.

"So you'd rather leave them to die at the hands of this corrupted government?" Ash's eyes narrowed. "I might be ruthless, but even I'm not heartless enough to abandon the people who once cared for me. If I have to kill you here to protect them, I won't hesitate. But let me remind you—when you attack Sevestar next month, we'll respond with the Rumbling."

Gary froze, his mind reeling. "How… How do you know about that?"

Ash smirked coldly. "Did you really think we'd fall for your ruse and lower our guard, believing you'd wait two or three months? You're wrong. But let me give you this warning: when I activate the Rumbling, you'll be on my kill list."

With that, Ash turned and walked away. The storm dissipated as suddenly as it had begun. Gary looked back at the lab, only to find it completely gone—vanished without a trace.

For a moment, he stood frozen, Ash's words echoing in his mind. Should he be afraid of Ash's warning? Or was there still hope to change the course of this conflict?

Here is a new chapter, and in this chapter, Chloe has become an aura user. And just as they planned, Gary and the others are planning to attack after a month. What is going to happen in the next chapter? I hope you like it.