Chapter 1: The Journey Begins
The sun rose over Route 1, casting golden rays across the dew-covered grass. Birds chirped overhead as the forest whispered the promise of new adventures. Ash and Joshua stood at the edge of Pallet Town, their eyes set on the winding path ahead.
Behind them, Red and Delia watched silently.
"You ready?" Joshua asked, rolling his shoulders.
Ash grinned. "Been ready since I was ten."
Joshua snorted. "Yeah, and then Dad made us train for six more years."
"Hey, not complaining now. We're about to become legends."
Red approached, holding two sleek, black-and-silver Poké Balls, each engraved with Aura glyphs. "These aren't just regular Poké Balls. They're infused with your Aura—meant to bind you and your partner on a deeper level than normal. Your bond will influence their growth… their evolution."
Ash's fingers twitched with anticipation as Red handed over the balls. "So… who are they?"
Red smiled faintly. "Call them and find out."
Ash didn't wait another second. He pressed the button, and with a burst of red energy, a Riolu landed in front of him. But this Riolu was unlike any normal one—its fur shimmered with flecks of gold, and its Aura pulsed like a heartbeat in sync with Ash's.
"Whoa…" Ash breathed. "He's… amazing."
Riolu looked up at him and nodded, then closed its eyes. Instantly, Ash felt a presence in his mind. A silent voice, a wave of warmth and recognition.
Partner.
Joshua activated his Poké Ball next. A swirl of silver light formed into a sleek, white-furred Eevee with silver-tipped ears and tail. Its eyes were piercing amber, just like Joshua's.
Eevee stretched, then walked up to him, resting its head on his boot before glowing briefly with silvery light.
Joshua knelt, placing a hand gently on its head. "So, you're the one who chose me."
The connection surged—a mix of curiosity, intellect, and mutual respect. Joshua's Aura flared in response, and Eevee purred, brushing against his palm.
Red's expression was unreadable, but his Aura flared softly. "These two are rare breeds—Aura-sensitive, awakened from birth. They'll evolve based on your emotional journey, not just battles or stones."
Ash stood tall. "We'll protect them. Just like we'll protect each other."
Delia came forward, hugging them tightly. "No matter how far you go, you're always my babies."
"Mom…" they both groaned, but hugged her back.
Red reached into his coat and handed each of them a sleek, black Aura-themed Pokédex. "Keep track of your journey. And… stay alert. The world's changing."
With final goodbyes said, Ash and Joshua stepped onto Route 1.
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Later That Day – Forest Camp
Ash and Joshua sat beneath a large oak tree, their Pokémon beside them. Riolu practiced aura punches on tree stumps, while Eevee was calmly focusing its energy, glowing faintly.
Misty leaned against the trunk, watching Joshua with curiosity.
"So… he's quiet, smart, and mysterious," she said to Serena. "Exactly my type."
Serena smirked. "He's also dangerous. But look at Ash—he's all heart and chaos."
Ash was currently trying to race Riolu through the woods and failing. "Damn, you're fast!"
Joshua turned toward Misty. "You keep staring."
She smiled. "You're interesting."
Joshua raised an eyebrow. "You like danger, remember?"
"I like control," she said, stepping closer. "But you're the kind of danger I wouldn't mind losing it to."
Joshua blinked. "Not subtle, are you?"
Misty shrugged. "Life's short. Especially in this world."
Serena walked over to Ash as he flopped to the ground, panting. "Still trying to outrun your partner?"
"Just testing his limits," Ash said with a grin. "He's awesome."
Serena smiled and sat beside him. "You're already synced. I've seen Aura bonds before, but yours is… alive."
Ash looked over. "What about you? Got a partner?"
Serena hesitated. "Not yet. But I've been waiting for one."
Just then, the air shimmered, and from the forest emerged a figure—floating, glowing, smiling.
A girl, no older than them, with flowing pink hair and eyes like galaxies. A long tail swayed behind her, and her aura was playful, mischievous… and powerful.
"Mew," Serena whispered.
Ash stood, stunned. "Is that…?"
The girl giggled, floating in front of Ash. "You feel warm. Strong. I like that."
Ash swallowed. "You're… Mew?"
"In this form, yes. I've been watching you."
Serena stepped forward, protective. "What do you want with him?"
Mew blinked, then floated into Ash's personal space. "To bond. To learn. Maybe… to love."
Ash's cheeks turned scarlet. "U-Uh…"
Behind them, another figure stepped from the shadows. This one tall, elegant, and radiating power. Long lavender hair flowed like silk, and her eyes gleamed with intelligence. She looked at Joshua and Misty.
"I sensed him from miles away," she said. "You're the other twin."
Joshua's Aura reacted immediately. "Mewtwo."
She nodded. "I've taken this form… because your bond will require more than words."
Misty stepped between them. "You're a legendary. What do you want with him?"
Mewtwo looked down at her, amused. "You're protective. I like that. But he and I are meant to awaken something… extraordinary."
Joshua said nothing, just watched her, eyes unreadable.
Their Auras pulsed—Mew's with joy and curiosity, Mewtwo's with ancient knowledge and silent power.
Ash and Joshua stood still, hearts racing, realizing this was only the beginning.
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End of Chapter 1
Next Chapter: A Test of Strength – Battle at Viridian Forest!
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