6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

Chapter 5 Confession

Mark and the other four siblings return to the base, their expressions a mix of relief and concern as they regroup with Ash and Lillie. The tension in the air is palpable as they approach Ash, who is still holding Lillie protectively.

Ash is the first to speak, his voice steady but laced with worry. "What's the situation with those soldiers?"

Minami steps forward, her expression stern. "They're dead, but Brother Ash, you were too reckless. Your life is important, and you almost wasted it by rushing out of the base without any planning." Her tone is sharp, but it's clear that her concern stems from care.

Ash nods, knowing she's right. He feels the weight of his decisions more heavily now, especially after seeing Lillie in such danger.

Golly, curious and slightly wary, points to Lillie. "Who's the girl? And how did you know she was in danger?"

Ash flinches at the question, the memory of his sudden compulsion to rush out still fresh in his mind. "I... I don't really know how I knew she was in danger," he admits, struggling to find the right words. His gaze shifts to Lillie, and he takes a deep breath before continuing. "This is Lillie. She's an Aura user, just like me. We traveled together in Kalos and Alola."

The siblings exchange glances, intrigued and a bit surprised. The revelation adds another layer of complexity to the situation, but there's no denying the bond that exists between Ash and Lillie.

Golly raises an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "An Aura user, huh? Interesting. So, you've been through a lot together."

Ash simply nods, the connection between him and Lillie evident in his eyes. He knows this is just the beginning of a much larger battle, but for now, having Lillie by his side gives him a sense of comfort and strength.

As the conversation settles, Delia arrives, her presence commanding attention. The six siblings immediately greet her, their respect for her evident in their demeanor. Lillie, however, feels a strange sensation as she looks at Ash's mother. There's something different about her, something more intense and powerful than she remembered from their previous encounters.

Delia, noticing Lillie's curious gaze, offers a gentle smile before addressing the group. "I know what's going on," she begins, her tone calm but authoritative.

The siblings exchange glances, sensing that Delia has more to reveal. Lillie, still trying to piece together the puzzle, feels an odd connection to Delia, as if she holds answers to questions she hasn't even asked yet.

Delia then turns her attention to Lillie. "Lillie, you're an Aura user, and your aura is similar to Ash's. That's why he could sense your danger."

Trenor, intrigued, furrows his brow. "But, Mother, is it really possible for two auras to be similar? I thought every Aura user had a unique aura."

Delia nods, her expression softening. "That's true, Trenor. Every Aura user has a unique aura. But there's one exception—when two people share a deep connection, when they have feelings for each other, their auras can resonate and become similar. And after marriage and bonding, their auras will merge completely, becoming one."

Her words hang in the air, and for a moment, the room is silent. Ash and Lillie's faces flush with color, both of them blushing hard at the implication. Delia's revelation suggests that they are destined to be together, a thought that sends their hearts racing.

Delia then turns to Lillie, her voice gentle. "Are you okay, dear?"

Lillie, snapped out of the fantasy Delia's words had drawn her into, quickly nods. "Yes, I'm fine," she replies, though her mind is still reeling from the idea of being bonded with Ash. She takes a deep breath, trying to focus. "But I need to find a way to communicate with my family."