1. Ash's Story (Part 0: Prologue)

Chapter 20

Ash and Alice step out of the sleek, modern International Police Headquarters, their training finally complete. The sun is high, casting a warm glow on their determined faces. Alice adjusts her cap, mirroring Ash's familiar gesture of resolve.

"Can you believe we did it, Ash?" Alice asks, her eyes sparkling with a mix of relief and excitement. "We finished the training!"

"Yeah, we did," Ash replies, giving her a confident smile. "But now it's time to get back to Sevestar. We have to see everyone."

They board the next flight to Sevestar, their minds racing with thoughts of what awaits them. The plane ride feels longer than usual, filled with anticipation and a hint of unease.

Upon arrival, the once lively castle grounds of Sevestar are eerily silent. The grand entrance stands open, and not a single member of Ash's family or friends is in sight.

"Something's wrong," Alice whispers, her voice barely audible. She clutches Ash's arm, her eyes scanning the empty courtyard. "Where is everyone?"

Ash frowns, his eyes narrowing. "Let's check inside."

They walk through the ornate halls, their footsteps echoing ominously. The grand dining hall, usually filled with laughter and the clatter of cutlery, is deserted. Plates of half-eaten food sit abandoned on the long table, a haunting reminder of the sudden departure.

"Hello? Is anyone here?" Ash calls out, his voice strong and steady, but the only response is silence.

Alice kneels down, examining a dropped toy near the throne. "It's like they just vanished," she mutters, picking it up and turning it over in her hands.

Ash looks around, his worry growing. "Mom? Dad? Mark? Trenor? Insey? Gina? Dia? Palmer? Serena? Lillie? Are you here?" he calls out, his voice echoing through the empty halls.

Alice stands, her expression resolute. "Let's check the royal chambers. Maybe there's a clue there."

They hurry to the upper levels, their urgency growing with each empty room they pass. At the entrance to the royal chambers, they find the door ajar. Inside, the room is in disarray. Papers are strewn across the floor, and the curtains billow in the breeze from an open window.

Ash and Alice exchange worried glances. "Where is everyone?" Ash whispers, his voice filled with concern.

Then suddenly, there is a wave in the mirror, and to their surprise, Gina jumps out of the mirror and crashes onto the floor. Alice and Ash rush over to her.

"Gina? What happened and where is everyone?" Alice asks, her voice filled with urgency.

Gina, panting heavily, looks up at them with wide eyes. "It's Team Terror! They kidnapped everyone! We were tricked and it seems they have prepared. I managed to escape at the last second because I can go to the reverse world on my own, but the others..."

Ash clenches his fists, anger bubbling up inside him. "Team Terror won't get away with this. We'll find them and rescue everyone."

Alice nods, determination shining in her eyes. "We'll need a plan. First, we have to figure out where they've taken everyone."

Gina slowly gets to her feet, her resolve matching theirs. "I overheard them mention a hidden base. It's at Mt. Iceat."

Ash takes a deep breath, his mind racing with possibilities. "Then that's where we're headed. We need to move fast before they can hurt anyone."

Alice places a reassuring hand on Gina's shoulder. "Thank you for getting back to us, Gina. We'll save them. Together."

The trio heads out of the castle, their hearts set on their mission. The fate of their loved ones lies in their hands, and they won't rest until Team Terror is defeated.