12. The Sevestar Prince Darker Version

Chapter 61

(Flashback)

In the quiet of the Canalave Inn, bathed in the soft glow of the moon filtering through the curtains, Ash and Alice lay asleep in their separate beds. The room is peaceful, save for the occasional rustle of the sheets as they shift in their slumber.

As the night wears on, a subtle change begins to take hold. Ash's peaceful expression twists into one of discomfort, his brow furrowing in distress. His breathing becomes erratic, punctuated by soft whimpers that grow louder and more desperate.

Alice stirs from her sleep, a sense of unease settling over her as she senses something amiss. She watches with concern as Ash's distress escalates, his whispers turning into anguished cries.

"Alice! No, Alice!" His voice, filled with raw emotion, cuts through the stillness of the room like a knife. His body tenses, muscles tensing as if he's fighting an invisible enemy in his dreams.

Alice wakes up in the inn, hearing Ash's voice, and sleepily mumbles, "Ash?"

However, her drowsiness vanishes in an instant when she sees Ash enveloped in a Dark Void, with Darkrai standing beside their bed.

"Ash? What have you done to him, Darkrai?" Alice demands, her concern turning into frustration.

Darkrai responds calmly, "I was asked by my father to join your team. But I wanted to test how deeply you care for Ash as his partner. This trial was meant to demonstrate that."

Alice's anger rises as she retorts, "Why should I have to prove anything to you? What's your real motive for subjecting Ash to a nightmare? Do you find enjoyment in his suffering?"

Darkrai clarifies, "I never take pleasure in causing nightmares. I use them as a means of delivering warnings. If you truly care about Ash, you should wake him up now and help him discern reality from illusion."

With those words, Darkrai places the Customized Poké Ball on the table and retreats into the shadows. Alice rushes to Ash and embraces him tightly, whispering soothingly, "Ash, it's just a nightmare. I'm here with you."

Slowly, Ash begins to open his eyes, tears welling up as he gazes at Alice. "Alice... is it really you?"

"Absolutely, Ash. What you experienced in your dream wasn't real. Darkrai was playing with your mind. I'm right here, and I won't ever leave your side," Alice reassures him.

Confusion lingers in Ash's eyes as he questions, "But Darkrai... why would it do this? I genuinely believed I had gone back in time..."

"I can't say for certain why Darkrai is acting this way, but you must remember that you're not facing this alone," Alice tells him, her voice filled with warmth and support. Ash nods in understanding, finding comfort in her words.

At the ranch, Darkrai stands before Arceus and reports, "The mission you assigned to me has been completed."

Arceus nods in acknowledgment and remarks, "Excellent. This trial will prove to be a significant challenge for both Ash and Alice. I am curious to see how they will navigate it."

Darkrai, however, expresses some concern. "Are you sure this is a wise decision? Alice didn't seem pleased with the nightmare I inflicted upon Ash."

Arceus responds confidently, "Do not fret. I am the one who bears responsibility for this. You need not worry."

With a nod of understanding, Darkrai retreats into the shadows, leaving Arceus to contemplate the unfolding events.