13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 56 Starla and Derek

As the group arrives in Rassic City, they are greeted by Rodney. "Hey, you made it through Ancient Pass! That was an intense battle against those Team Solar and Team Lunar guys... I wonder what's up with that other Crystal Rex took..."

"Maybe we can use it to stop those teams?" Gina suggests.

"Maybe," Alice agrees. "Rex said he would meet us at the Ancient Museum. That's the big building just south of us."

"You're right, let's go there," Ash says, taking the lead. "Rex, my parents are there waiting for us."

The group makes their way to the museum, and upon entering, they find Rex waiting for them. "There you are, please come this way. Your parents and your friends are already here waiting for you!"

Inside the museum, they see not only Keira, Delia, and Red, but also Amber and Damon. Gina, surprised, asks, "Mom? Dad? Why are they here?"

Red steps forward, his expression serious. "We'll explain everything later. This is the Legendary exhibit, where we can learn more about the Legendary Crystals..."

Delia introduces a scientist standing next to Rex. "This is Shawn. He specializes in ancient artifacts and knows a lot about the history of Rikoto."

Shawn greets them with a nod. "Well, I may not be as knowledgeable as our Champion here, but hello, everyone. Rex filled me in... So those two teams have taken the Sun and Moon Crystals. This isn't good..."

"It sure isn't," Ash sighs, understanding the gravity of the situation.

"What do those Crystals do? Why are they so important?" Rodney asks, his curiosity piqued.

Shawn steps forward to explain. "The Crystals are connected to the Legendary Pokémon, Solaran and Lunaro. They were formed at the time of their birth. We believe these Crystals hold a special power—an energy, if you will..."

Rex nods in agreement. "The energy within these Crystals grants power to Solaran and Lunaro, making them even stronger than they already are. It's like a battery for them. There's a myth that states: 'Thee who holds the Crystals of Sun and Moon holds the power to command Order and Chaos.' That must be why they wanted those Crystals..."

"So now that they have those Crystals, they can control the Legendary Pokémon?" Rodney asks, alarmed.

"That's what the myth suggests," Rex confirms, his tone grave. "So this isn't good news. If they manage to release Solaran and Lunaro back into our world, they could control them like puppets. With two different sides holding a Crystal, there would be nothing but disaster! Solaran and Lunaro are matched in power—there would be no end to the conflict!" Delia adds, her voice filled with concern.

"This is terrible... But Rex, the Balance Crystal... This Crystal has a purpose, we just don't know what that purpose is. Perhaps it can help in some way?" Shawn speculates. "We have our top scientists working on it, trying to figure out what it can do..."

Alice, deep in thought, suddenly speaks up. "Balance Crystal..." Her words catch everyone's attention, and they turn to look at her. "Ash, remember what Terradon said to us? 'The Prince of Sun and the Princess of Moon will save the region with Balance...' Does that mean it's this crystal?"

Rex considers this and nods slowly. "It could be. I knew it would be important. I'm glad those teams overlooked it."

"We can stop them! We're already winning! Ash has both the Core and Sea Stones, and they don't know that!" Rodney says, his voice filled with newfound hope.

As the adults exchange glances, Rex steps forward and says, "Ash, if it's possible, I want you to have this." He hands the Balance Crystal to Ash, surprising everyone.