13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 46 True Intentions

With Keira's information in mind, Ash and the others hurry to the aquarium to meet Professor Pinewood. As they step inside, Alice's eyes widen in amazement as she takes in the surroundings. "Wow, there really are a lot of Water-type Pokémon here."

Ash nods, equally impressed but focused. "Yeah, it would be fun to explore, but we have important business with the Professor."

As they make their way deeper into the aquarium, they soon spot Rodney and Professor Pinewood waiting for them. Rodney waves them over. "Ash, everyone, you made it. Even the queen is here," he adds with a respectful nod to Delia.

Ash gets straight to the point. "We heard the news from Keira and Mark. But where's Brother Wade? Wasn't he supposed to be here with us?"

Mark chimes in, "I think he's looking for Reisa since she's his girlfriend. But honestly, it might be for the best—he always had a habit of flirting with other girls before meeting her."

Ash chuckles, remembering his brother's antics. "Yeah, now that you mention it, I remember. But I guess we'll wait for him before we learn what's going on here."

Professor Pinewood nods thoughtfully. "That might be wise. In the meantime, why don't you all take a look around the aquarium? There's plenty to see."

The group agrees, deciding to explore while they wait. As they leave, Delia lingers behind, turning to Professor Pinewood with a serious expression. "So, the thing you're going to talk about... Is it related to them again?"

Pinewood sighs, his expression heavy. "I'm afraid so. They need to know the truth—about everything. They need to understand just how much pain you've carried in your heart."

Delia sighs softly, her gaze distant. "Yeah... they do."

After exploring the aquarium, Wade and Reisa finally arrive. Reisa looks around, puzzled. "Why did you bring me here? I know this place is beautiful, but what's going on?"

Wade gives her a serious look. "I think you should hear this too, especially since you won't be leaving the region anytime soon. Professor Pinewood has some important news to share with us."

Reisa nods, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I see. If I'm staying here, I should know what's happening."

Ash, eager to get to the heart of the matter, turns to the professor. "So, what do you have to tell us, Professor Pinewood?"

Professor Pinewood takes a deep breath before speaking. "As you may know, I've been gathering information about Team Solar and Team Lunar."

Rodney furrows his brow, the names sounding all too familiar. "Team Solar and Team Lunar... I feel like I've heard those names countless times since I started my journey."

Keira chimes in, recalling past encounters. "Team Lunar are the ones who stole that little girl's Pokémon. And Team Solar tried to rob the daycare in Brushus Town, right?"

Alice nods, impressed. "I'm surprised you remembered all of that. We've definitely run into them more times than we can count. So, Professor, what do you have to tell us about these two evil teams?"

Pinewood's expression grows more serious. "While Team Solar and Team Lunar may appear different, they share a common goal: to take over the Rikoto Region."

Ash sighs, unsurprised but still concerned. "Why am I not surprised? Every region I've been to seems to have its own set of villains with plans to take over."

Rodney, puzzled, asks, "But how would they even do that? The Sevestar Kingdom has ruled over the Rikoto Region for years, and people seem content. What could these teams possibly do to destroy that?"