13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 12 Team Lunar

Ash and Alice head north, their pace quickening as they approach the source of the disturbance. Soon, they reach an ancient temple, where they spot a figure in an unusual uniform. The person holds two Pokémon—Tadart and Jumple—both of which are struggling against her grip.

Alice narrows her eyes as she recognizes the insignia on the uniform. "I've seen those marks before... they're Team Lunar!"

Ash groans in frustration, his fists clenching. "Team Lunar? Why do I always end up getting caught up with these evil teams every time I travel to a new region?"

Pikachu, perched on Ash's shoulder, sparks his cheeks in agreement. Over the years, they've had countless encounters with the likes of Team Galactic, Team Plasma, and Team Flare. It seems wherever they go, they're always the ones who have to step in and stop these organizations from carrying out their sinister plans.

As Ash and Alice take in the scene, two more figures emerge from the shadows of the temple. One appears to be a grunt, dressed similarly to the first person. However, the second figure, with striking purple hair, exudes a commanding presence—clearly someone of higher rank within Team Lunar.

The female grunt glances at the woman with purple hair, addressing her with a sense of urgency. "Miss Scarlett, was the Earth Stone in there?"

Scarlett, with a satisfied smirk, holds up a stone that glows faintly in the dim light. "We've got it. It's ours!"

The male grunt clenches his fist in triumph. "We're one step closer to achieving our goal!"

Ash and Alice, hidden in the shadows, try to eavesdrop on their conversation, but their presence doesn't go unnoticed.

The female grunt suddenly tenses, her eyes narrowing as she scans the area. "I think someone is listening in on us!" she warns.

With a sense of foreboding, Scarlett and her grunts start to walk toward Ash and Alice. The duo barely has time to react before they find themselves face-to-face with Team Lunar, unable to hide.

The male grunt glares at them suspiciously. "Who are you two?! Team Solar spies?!"

Scarlett steps forward, her gaze sharp and commanding. "You there, who are you, and what are you doing here? Are you working with Team Solar?"

Ash, caught off guard, quickly denies the accusation. "No! I don't even know who you are or what Team Solar is!"

Alice, sensing the tension, adds quickly, "We were just trying to get out of the forest. It's getting dark, and we just want to find our way out."

Scarlett's eyes narrow as she steps closer, her voice dripping with menace. "You better not be lying to me. But if you are, tell those loser commanders that the Earth Stone is ours, and there's no way they're getting their hands on it!"

The female grunt, emboldened by Scarlett's confidence, sneers at Ash and Alice. "Miss Scarlett, we'll take care of these little punks!"

With a swift motion, both grunts send out their Spidox. The spider Pokémon immediately spray webs, creating a sticky barrier to prevent any escape.

Ash quickly assesses the situation, his voice firm. "We've got no choice but to fight. Doveheart, I choose you!" He releases his Pokémon, ready for battle.

Alice hesitates for a moment, a hint of reluctance in her voice. "I really hate to do this... but let's go, Doveheart!" She follows Ash's lead, sending out her Doveheart as well.

The grunts waste no time, their voices commanding in unison. "Spidox, use Poison Fang!"

Knowing their Doveheart's Fairy typing makes them vulnerable, Ash and Alice act swiftly. "Doveheart, fly up high and dodge the attack!" they command in unison.