13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 22 Thundrome Pass Part 2

With their five Pokémon reunited, Ash, Alice, and Delia make their way to the Lightning Temple. The ancient structure looms ahead, its towering spires crackling with static energy. But as they approach, they notice three figures standing in front of the temple, deep in conversation. Quickly, they duck behind some nearby rocks to avoid being seen.

"Ah, ha! That was easy!" a man exclaims, his voice carrying in the still air.

"The Volt Stone has been retrieved, we can now head back to the base!" a female grunt responds, her tone filled with satisfaction.

Ash peers out from their hiding spot and notices that the people are wearing uniforms. The sight raises his suspicions. "Mother, who are they?" he whispers to Delia.

Delia's expression hardens with recognition. "They must be members of Team Solar. They're similar to Team Lunar, but their goals are different. Don't tell me they've gotten their hands on the Volt Stone..." Her voice is tinged with frustration.

Alice, always quick to think on her feet, suggests, "Maybe we still have a chance to get the stone back." The determination in her eyes is clear as they prepare to confront the intruders. But before they can move, a new voice cuts through the air.

"What are you doing?" A girl with striking grey hair, who appears to be a year older than Ash, steps forward confidently. She exudes a calm authority, her presence immediately commanding attention.

The male grunt, startled, turns to the new arrival. "Commander Brite, we have company! There's a child listening in on us!"

Brite, the commander with a sharp gaze, locks eyes with the girl. "Hey you kid! You see somethin' interestin' here? ...I didn't think so!" Her tone is mocking, yet there's an undercurrent of menace. "You best not get in Team Solar's way or you will have to face a harsh punishment!"

The girl doesn't flinch. Instead, she smirks, her confidence unwavering. "And what if I do?"

The male grunt looks nervous as he steps closer to Commander Brite. "Commander, this kid might be working with Team Lunar. They were spotted in Dullfern Forest, they may be making their way here!"

Brite narrows her eyes, a sneer forming on her lips. "Is that right? Kid, you with those Team Losers? Ahh, gotcha! Grunts, take care of this kid, and show 'em how Team Solar rules all!"

Just as the grunts prepare to move, Ash, Alice, and Delia step forward from their hiding spot. The girl's tense expression softens into a smile, clearly relieved by their presence.

"Wait a second!" Ash calls out, drawing the attention of everyone present. "It's not fair for three to gang up on one. Let us join the battle."

Brite turns to face the newcomers, her eyes narrowing. "And who might you guys be?"

"Our names aren't important," Alice replies confidently, her eyes locked onto Brite. "What matters is that you're going down."

The girl, sensing an opportunity, nods at Ash and Alice. "Then you take care of the grunts—I'll handle the leader."

Ash quickly sends out Cheepip, a small bird Pokémon with shimmering feathers, while Alice releases Husky, a fierce-looking wolf Pokémon. The grunts respond by sending out a Snazap, the rattlesnake Pokémon with crackling electric energy, and a Raizid, a sleek, lightning-fast rodent Pokémon.

"Cheepip, use Magical Leaf on Raizid!" Ash commands.

"Husky, Bite on Snazap!" Alice adds, her voice steady.

The battle begins as Cheepip unleashes a flurry of glowing leaves that hone in on Raizid, while Husky lunges forward, teeth bared, sinking them into Snazap.