Chapter 13
A month later, Ash and Lillie stood at the gates of the castle, the grand stronghold overlooking the island. Behind them, the Aura families stood united, their expressions resolute. Ash turned to face them, his voice steady but commanding.
"Everyone," he began, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, "today, we set out to search far and wide for the Infinity Gems. The nation's army is still recovering, but the moment they see us, they'll attack without hesitation. For this mission to succeed, we must do what is necessary—even if it means killing. But leave the innocent and harmless alone."
The group nodded solemnly, their resolve unwavering. As the teams dispersed to their assigned locations, Lillie stepped closer to Ash. "Are you sure they'll succeed in retrieving the gems?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.
Ash closed his eyes briefly, his expression calm. "I have faith in them. That's why we're staying here. I have the power to activate the Rumbling, and our enemies know it. We're the deterrent while our people search for the gems. Besides," he added, his tone darkening, "we still have enemies approaching the shores, ready for battle."
Lillie sighed, her gaze shifting to the horizon. In the distance, ships loomed closer, their flags signaling their intent. "They're never going to give up, are they?"
"Not unless we're all dead," Ash replied, his voice cold. "That's human nature."
As the ships neared the island, Ash and Lillie moved to the front lines, flanked by their forces. On the lead ship, Chairman Rose of the Macro Company stood at the helm, his expression one of grim determination. Spotting Ash and Lillie, he clenched his fists. "There he is," Rose snarled. "Ash Ketchum. Today, we avenge Wyndon and end this madness!"
Behind him, familiar faces stood ready—Gary, Brock, Misty, May, Max, Cilan, Clemont, Bonnie, Mallow, Kiawe, Lana, and Sophocles. Their expressions mirrored their leader's, each prepared with weapons and Poké Balls in hand.
The first shot rang out from the ship's cannons, a deafening roar that shook the shoreline. Without missing a beat, Ash and Lillie responded in unison. Fire Blast and Hydro Pump erupted from their hands, the combined attacks colliding with the cannon and reducing it to molten debris.
Ash smiled, glancing at Lillie. "Look at you," he said. "Since we're married and bonded, you can tap into the Grand Master's Aura with ease."
Lillie twirled her sword with a confident smirk, her aura shimmering faintly around her. "I'm just glad I can now access more than 900 moves in battle," she quipped, raising her sword to enhance her attack stat.
Ash flexed his gloves, activating Bulk Up to strengthen his body. The tension rose as they spotted enemy forces leaping from the ships onto the beach, reinforced by an armored train rumbling ashore.
East stepped forward, his gaze narrowing as he surveyed the advancing army. "Looks like they're not going to give up so easily," he muttered.
Golly stood beside him, his expression hardened with determination. "Most of our skilled members are out there, searching for the Infinity Gems. It's up to us to defend the island with everything we've got."
Ash and Lillie exchanged a glance, their auras blazing as the battle began. "We'll fight to the very end," Ash declared, stepping forward to lead the charge.
Ash and Lillie stood confidently at the front of the battlefield, facing Ash's former travel companions. The tension in the air was palpable as Ash's eyes met theirs. He smirked slightly. "So, we meet again."
Brock glared, his fists clenched. "To think you'd just show up in the open like this. You really are confident, aren't you?"
"Maybe I am," Ash replied evenly.
Lillie stepped forward, her voice icy. "We gained our victory at Wyndon, after all. And since you've stepped into our territory, let me make this clear—you're not leaving here alive."
The memory of the devastation at Wyndon burned in their minds, fueling their fury. Without hesitation, they lunged at Ash and Lillie, their Pokémon attacking in unison. But Ash and Lillie were prepared. Using Bounce, they leaped high into the air, effortlessly dodging the barrage of attacks.
The former companions' attacks collided with each other instead, leaving them momentarily stunned. As Ash and Lillie landed gracefully in front of them, a faint shimmer of energy pulsed from their auras, paralyzing several of their attackers.
Kiawe staggered, his fists trembling as he muttered, "How… Ice-Type Aura users shouldn't be able to use Bounce…"
Lillie smirked, her confidence unwavering. "Oh, didn't you know? Ash is my dear husband. Our bond has unlocked the Grand Aura for me. And," she added with a sly smile, "I didn't feel like showing you the full extent of my power back in Wyndon."
Her words only ignited their rage further, the thought of Lillie holding back fueling their determination. They forced themselves back to their feet, their resolve unbroken. This time, Max managed to break through their defenses, his Pokémon landing a direct hit on Ash's shoulder. Ash winced, a flicker of pain crossing his face.
"If you think that's enough to stop me," Ash growled, his voice sharp, "you're dead wrong." Closing his eyes, he activated Recover, healing the wound with ease. Then, with a commanding wave of his hand, he used Quash on the entire group, locking them in place.
Lillie seized the moment. Throwing two Poké Balls, she shouted, "Typhlosion! Mamoswine! Flame Ice!"
The two Pokémon appeared in a brilliant flash, their combined attack dealing devastating burns to their opponents. The heat and cold fused in a dazzling display of power, leaving Ash's former companions struggling to stay on their feet.
"How could I forget," May muttered under her breath, "Lillie is also Dawn and Serena…"
Ash stepped forward, pulling out another Poké Ball. "And now, it's my turn. Respond to my feelings! Mega Evolve!"
Charizard burst from the ball, a Mega Stone glowing brightly around its neck. Bonnie and Clemont gasped in recognition—it was Alain's Mega Stone. In an instant, Charizard transformed into its X form, flames roaring from its body.
"Charizard, Thunder Punch!" Ash commanded.
Charizard's fist surged with electricity, slamming directly into Misty's Starmie and Gyarados. The powerful blow knocked both Pokémon out, leaving Misty stunned.
"That's… Alain's Charizard…" Clemont yelled in disbelief. "The same one that defeated Ash's Greninja…"
Ash smirked, his gaze cool and confident. "Exactly. Just as Lillie is also Dawn and Serena, Alain is a part of me. Back in the Kalos League, I was fighting no one but myself."
The revelation left his former companions reeling, the weight of Ash's words sinking in. As the battle raged on, they realized they were no longer fighting the Ash Ketchum they once knew—but someone far more powerful, someone transformed by his choices and his bond with Lillie.
Bonnie stepped forward, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and disbelief. "Then what about Mairin? What would she say if she knew you were doing all this?"
Ash's eyes darkened, his teeth gritting as rage surged through him. "Don't you dare mention her name!" he roared. Flames erupted around his body, his aura blazing uncontrollably. "The people you're fighting for killed her! Just because she stood against their war on Aura users!"
With a furious yell, Ash charged at Kiawe, the flames intensifying. He struck with the full force of Raging Fury, sending Kiawe crashing to the ground.
"Kiawe!" Mallow cried out, running toward him.
Lillie's eyes widened. "That's Raging Fury! It's like a Fire-Type version of Thrash!" Quickly, she waved her hand, summoning clouds overhead. A downpour began as she used Rain Dance, attempting to cool Ash's fury.
Gary took the opportunity to lunge at Ash, his gloves glowing with a toxic energy. "Ash, stop this madness!" he shouted, aiming a punch at him. But Ash reacted instantly, his fist glowing with steel energy as he countered with Bullet Punch. The two clashed violently, struggling to overpower each other.
Gary gritted his teeth, his voice desperate. "Ash, enough already! Haven't we all suffered enough? Haven't you suffered enough? Why are you still struggling? What are you even fighting for? I just… I just want this to be over."
Ash didn't reply. Instead, he threw his head back and unleashed a deafening Hyper Voice. The soundwaves rippled through the air, forcing Gary to cover his ears. But the force wasn't enough to block the attack, and he staggered back.
Suddenly, a bolt of thunder crashed down from the sky, striking the battlefield. The shockwave knocked Gary and the others to the ground. Dazed, they looked up, their eyes widening as they saw Chloe stepping forward, her aura glowing with electricity.
"That thunder…" Clemont stammered, pushing himself up. "Chloe, was that you?"
Chloe's expression was resolute as she hovered into the air using Magnet Rise. "I'm sorry," she said, her voice steady. "But yes, it was me."
As her feet touched the ground, sparks danced around her, and she activated Electric Terrain, the ground beneath her crackling with energy. "I used to be on the same side as you," she continued, her tone unwavering. "But now, I'm an Aura user. And I'm fighting to protect my family!"
The former companions stared at her in disbelief. Bonnie shook her head, her voice trembling. "No way… You weren't an Aura user before!"
Ash stepped forward, smirking confidently. "You didn't think we'd find a way to transform normal people into Aura users like us, did you?" He gestured toward Chloe. "She made the right choice. Her family is safe now—safe from the people you claim to protect."
Chloe nodded, her determined gaze sweeping over them. "You might think you're fighting for justice, but what about the people you've hurt? The families you've destroyed in the name of righteousness? I won't let that happen to my family."
The rain cleared, replaced by the blazing heat of Sunny Day. From the distance, a massive Pyro Ball streaked across the sky, slamming into the enemy ship and reducing it to fiery wreckage. All eyes turned as Leon landed on the battlefield, a confident smirk on his face.
"Sorry we're a little late," Leon called out, adjusting his cape, "but we made it as promised."
"Damn you, Leon!" Chairman Rose shouted from atop the armored train, his fists clenched in rage. Around him, the staff of Macro Cosmos scrambled into position. "We'll blast him into pieces! Prepare to fire!"
"Yes, sir!" the staff responded, scrambling to their weapons. But before they could act, Leon raised his hands, summoning a massive Fire Spin that surrounded the train in a fiery vortex.
One of the staff members panicked, shouting, "I don't think engaging in a fiery vortex is wise!"
"No! I'll punish this traitor myself!" Rose snarled. But his confidence faltered as reinforcements appeared on the battlefield—figures stepping forward with commanding presences.
To the horror of Ash's former companions, it was the former Champions of every region.
Cynthia led the charge, kicking up a Sand Attack to blind the trainers in her path. Steven Stone followed close behind, blasting them with Flash Cannon. Lance fired a devastating Draco Meteor from above, while Diantha unleashed a radiant Moonblast. Alder summoned a swarm of Combees with Attack Order, overwhelming the opposition, and Geeta's Power Gem created glowing barriers that trapped several trainers in place.
"No way…" Brock gasped, his voice trembling. "It's the former Champions from every region! Are all of them Aura users?"
Ash smirked, stepping forward as his aura flared. "Looks like you're outnumbered," he said, his voice calm yet commanding. "You still have a chance to surrender, or else be killed. Without your ship, you have no way of retreating."
Misty's grip on her weapon tightened, her expression filled with defiance. "We're not backing down!" she yelled. "We'll fight to the bitter end!"
The battlefield erupted into chaos as bullets and energy blasts flew. Eve stepped forward, her expression solemn as she closed her eyes. "For Alice… and for all our fallen comrades," she whispered. "Lend me your power."
Raising her arms, Eve activated her Z-Move, shouting, "Guardian of Alola!"
Tapu Fini, her partner, grew to a colossal size, its form towering over the battlefield. It let out a powerful roar before slamming its massive fists into everything in its path, sending shockwaves through the ground.
Diantha made her way to Ash, her voice filled with concern. "Ash, are you hurt?"
"I'm fine, Aunt Diantha," Ash replied, his voice steady. "Recover is keeping me stable for now. But we've got a bigger problem—the armored train they're using. It's heavily fortified."
Lillie was still struggling to dodge the relentless attacks from the armored train. Nearby, Chloe was battling with her Copycat Eevee, managing to hold her ground but clearly struggling. She was still new to being an Aura user, and the intensity of the battlefield was overwhelming.
Geeta surveyed the chaos, her voice calm yet decisive. "With Sunny Day and Electric Terrain active, it's the perfect time to call in the Paradox Pokémon."
"Right," Ash said, throwing three Poké Balls into the air. In a flash of light, Volcarona, Iron Moth, and Slither Wing appeared, their auras glowing brightly. The effects of the field heightened their power—Volcarona and Iron Moth's Special Attack surged, while Slither Wing's Physical Attack soared.
"Volcarona, Iron Moth—Fiery Dance! Slither Wing—Bug Buzz!" Ash commanded.
The combined attacks struck the armored train with devastating force, flames and sonic waves tearing through its defenses. The train groaned under the assault before exploding in a fiery blast. Lillie landed gracefully, smiling in relief as the threat was eliminated.
"Squishy, you're up!" Lillie called out, releasing her Zygarde Core. It transformed into its dog-like 10% form and unleashed Thousand Arrows, devastating the Flying-Type Pokémon hovering above the battlefield. The once-overwhelming enemy forces began to falter.
On the sidelines, Bonnie and Clemont watched the battle unfold. Bonnie's expression was conflicted as she saw Squishy aiding the Aura users.
"Squishy…" Bonnie murmured. "They even have Squishy helping them…"
Clemont frowned, confused by her tone. "Bonnie? What's wrong? What are you thinking?"
Bonnie hesitated before speaking, her voice heavy with emotion. "I've been wondering… are we even doing the right thing?"
"What are you talking about, Bonnie?" Clemont asked, his voice tinged with worry.
Bonnie turned to her brother, her eyes filled with doubt and guilt. "I don't think the Aura users are wrong. I don't think they ever were. It's the government… They've been the ones forcing them to fight just to survive. We hated them for killing Iris like they did, but look at us—we've killed so many people because we thought we were right. And they've done the same, thinking they're right too. Everyone's a hero in their own story."
Clemont was stunned, her words hitting him harder than any attack. "Bonnie…"
She took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. "That's why… I've made up my mind. I'm not fighting them anymore. I'm done."
"Bonnie! Wait!" Clemont yelled, his voice breaking as he saw his sister darting across the battlefield.
Ash and Lillie turned, their weapons instinctively raised as they saw Bonnie rushing toward them. But before they could act, Bonnie shouted, her voice desperate and trembling. "Wait! I'm not going to fight you! I want to surrender!"
Her words stopped everyone in their tracks, and a collective gasp rippled through the battlefield.
Bonnie dropped to her knees, tears streaming down her face as she cried out, "I became Champion to keep my family safe from being killed! That's all I ever wanted! But to be honest… I've never understood you, Ash, or you, Lillie! And now… I don't care anymore! Just leave my brother and me out of this war! Please! After that… slaughter away! Kill as many people as you want!"
The battlefield fell silent, her raw and painful confession reverberating in the hearts of everyone present. Chairman Rose narrowed his eyes, his expression one of cold disdain. "Another traitor," he muttered, waving his hand dismissively. "Deal with her."
The staff hesitated, fear flickering in their eyes. But under Rose's command, they aimed their weapons at Bonnie. Clemont, seeing the danger, acted without hesitation.
"Bonnie, get down!" Clemont shouted as he threw himself in front of her.
"Clemont, no!" Bonnie screamed, but it was too late.
A deafening blast rang out as the train's weapon fired. Clemont shielded Bonnie with his body, the impact throwing them both to the ground. His screams of pain cut through the air as the heat and force of the blast ravaged him.
Bonnie scrambled to her knees, trembling as she reached for her brother. "Clemont!" she cried, her voice filled with panic.
But when she turned him over, the sight before her made her freeze in horror. Clemont's body was burned, barely recognizable, his life slipping away with each labored breath.
"Clemont… no… no…" Bonnie whispered, shaking her head as tears blurred her vision.
Clemont's lips moved faintly, his voice barely audible. "Bonnie… it's okay… I'm here for you…" His eyes closed, and his body went still.
Bonnie stared, her mind unable to process what she was seeing. Then, the realization hit her like a tidal wave. "Clemont… Clemont!" she screamed, clutching his lifeless body.
Her screams turned into a raw, agonized wail that echoed across the battlefield. The sound carried her grief, her rage, and the unbearable pain of losing her brother.
Everyone stopped, frozen by the sheer anguish in her voice. Even Ash and Lillie faltered, their expressions softening as they watched Bonnie's heart shatter before their eyes.
Here is a new chapter, and as you can see, this is the first part of the battle and I hope you like it. The next chapter will be more battles.