13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 80 New Routes

The traitorous group arrives at Soltree Town, the location of the Professor's Lab. Tokui surveys the area, then turns to the others. "So this is the Professor's Lab? You said this is where Ash Ketchum keeps his Pokémon?"

"Where else would they hide their Pokémon? They'll definitely show up here," Tracy replies confidently.

As they scan the area, their attention is suddenly drawn to Ash and Alice, who are leaving a nearby house and heading toward the lab. Both of them are smiling, clearly at ease. But as Ark's gaze falls on the ring on Alice's hand, his expression darkens. He immediately recognizes it as an engagement ring, and a wave of fury washes over him.

The sight of Alice, happy and committed to Ash, only fuels his rage further, making him more determined than ever to exact his revenge.

Inside the lab, Professor Pinewood greets them with a wide smile. "Look who's visiting my lab—the Prince and Princess of Rikoto! It's great to see you, Ash and Alice! Your timing is perfect!"

Ash chuckles as he responds, "I guess you've already heard about the wedding plans from my parents? It all happened so quickly. I mean, I just confessed last night."

Alice laughs softly. "I guess Professor Pinewood really is your mom's friend—news spreads fast! So, what's the news, Professor?"

Professor Pinewood's expression turns serious as he leads them to a table. "You'll see. We've been studying the Elemental Stones for quite a long time, and I think we've figured out how they work... They're connected to the Elemental Temples where Team Solar and Team Lunar found them. There are statues in the temples with spots where you can place the stones... But after that, nothing happened. We couldn't figure out what to do next."

"Nothing happened? That's strange..." Ash remarks, intrigued.

"There must be something specific that triggers a reaction between the stones and the temples," Professor Pinewood muses. "I've been thinking about it, and I believe this is a task meant for royalty—people like you. What do you think? Here are all five Elemental Stones. I hope you can find a way to get them to react with their temples!"

Ash and Alice carefully take the five Elemental Stones, their curiosity piqued.

Professor Pinewood adds, "The nearest temple is in Dullfern Forest. Would you be willing to give it a try?"

"Well, when we have time, I mean, we have a lot of things to do," Alice replies, a slight smile on her face.

Meanwhile, just outside the lab, the traitorous group listens intently through a tapping device, catching every word of the conversation inside.

"Five Elemental Stones and temples? Sounds fishy..." May whispers, her curiosity piqued.

"But are they serious? Ash Ketchum marrying that girl?" Misty gasps in disbelief. "That dense boy who doesn't even know about love?"

"Quiet! They're coming out!" Hito hisses, and the group quickly hides behind the building.

As Ash and Alice step outside, they spot Rodney waiting for them. Ash greets him, "So, Rodney, what's your plan?"

Rodney grins. "I've heard about some new areas you can visit soon. They're east of Soltree Town, so you won't have to walk far! Rumor has it they'll open very soon. But before that happens, you should visit Keira in Mossy Town. You'll find me somewhere there then, OK?"

"That sounds great," Alice says, nodding in agreement.

Just as they're about to continue their conversation, a mocking voice interrupts them. "Well, well, well... look what we have here."