13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 27 The Dance Ball

Ash and Pikachu step out of the taxi, arriving back at the Pokémon Center. Inside, Delia is gently feeding her Sylveon when she notices them enter the building.

"Hello, honey! How did the Gym Battle go?" Delia asks, recalling her Sylveon and walking toward Ash and Pikachu with a warm smile.

"Thanks to sister Elena, I managed to catch on to her rhythm, and I won the badge!" Ash replies, his eyes bright with excitement.

"Oh? That's wonderful! But where are Elena and Alice? Didn't they come back with you?" Delia asks, glancing around as if expecting to see them.

"Electra and Sis are out shopping for Alice's dress. They're getting ready for the ball tonight," Ash explains.

"I see," Delia nods, a hint of amusement in her voice. "And as a prince, I assume you know what you're going to wear for this formal occasion?"

"Yes, Mother," Ash says, already heading toward his room to get dressed. Once inside, he finds a blue suit neatly folded in his backpack. As he slips it on and adjusts the tie, he catches his reflection in the mirror. "Pikachu, how do I look?" he asks, turning to his loyal companion.

Pikachu gives him a thumbs up, but Ash frowns slightly. "Thanks, but it feels like something's still missing."

Pikachu pauses, thinking for a moment, before spotting a comb on the bed. With a quick dash, he grabs it in his mouth and offers it to Ash.

Ash chuckles, taking the comb. "You're right, Pikachu. I should fix my hair. Thanks."

After a quick rub on Pikachu's head, Ash begins to comb his hair, making sure every strand is in place. He takes one last look in the mirror, nods in satisfaction, and closes his eyes, setting his face in a determined expression.

Back in the common room, Delia is feeding Pikachu again when they see Ash rush outside of the Pokémon Center, his suit forgotten on the bed. "Ash? Where are you going?" Delia calls out, startled.

"Just need to find something! I'll be right back!" Ash shouts over his shoulder, leaving Delia and Pikachu to exchange puzzled looks.

Alice stands in front of a full-length mirror, admiring the dress she's trying on in the boutique. Elena and Electra are browsing nearby when they hear her ask, "How do I look?"

Both sisters turn to face Alice. Elena's eyes light up as she takes in the sight. "You look absolutely perfect in that dress," she says with a warm smile.

"But..." Electra tilts her head, placing a hand under her chin as she examines Alice thoughtfully. "I feel like something's missing... or maybe it's just my imagination."

Alice fidgets slightly, glancing at her reflection. "Do you think Ash will like it? I'm nervous he might not..."

"Oh, please," Elena waves a hand dismissively. "Knowing my brother, he'll probably faint when he sees how stunning you are."

Alice pouts, a blush creeping onto her cheeks as the two girls share a laugh. "Not funny," she mumbles, though a small smile tugs at her lips. With a sigh, she steps back into the dressing room to change back into her regular clothes.

Once Alice is dressed, the three girls make their way to the counter, where the dress is carefully wrapped and prepared for purchase. As they wait, Alice can't help but glance at the dress, a mixture of excitement and nerves fluttering in her chest.

Meanwhile, Ash finds himself inside a jewelry store, his eyes drawn to a particular pendant displayed in a glass case. It's shaped like a delicate snowflake, and the way it catches the light seems to mesmerize him. He's been staring at it for quite some time when a smile finally spreads across his face. With newfound determination, he turns towards the counter.