13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 86 Dancing through Electricity

Ash and Alice arrive at the base of the Thundrome Pass, the winds carrying the faint sound of crackling thunder in the distance. Standing with them is Electra, Ash's sister Elena's best friend, known for her affinity with Electric-type Pokémon. They've come to the Lightning Temple, a place said to house immense power tied to the very essence of thunderstorms.

Electra eyes the towering structure of the temple ahead, her expression calm yet determined. "This is it," she says, her voice steady. "The Lightning Temple. And the Lightning Stone is waiting at the pillar inside."

Ash nods, glancing at the stone in his hand. "Right. We'll place the Lightning Stone on the pillar like we did at the Wind Temple."

Alice, standing beside him, looks up at the towering storm clouds overhead. "I'm guessing this temple holds just as much mystery and power."

As they approach the entrance of the Lightning Temple, Electra steps forward. "I'll stay here and guard the door. You two head inside. If anything happens, I've got the place covered."

"Thanks, Electra," Ash says, smiling at her.

With a nod, Electra turns and takes position near the entrance, ready to guard the stone and keep watch for any potential intruders. She takes her role seriously, ensuring no one gets past her to disturb Ash and Alice inside the temple.

Ash and Alice exchange a look and head into the depths of the temple, the air around them buzzing with electrical energy. As Ash and Alice continue through the Lightning Temple, the air begins to crackle with energy. In a flash of light, Aethera, the Legendary Pokémon embodying the element of Aether, materializes before them. Its form pulses with the spark of life, a calming yet powerful presence filling the temple.

Ash and Alice exchange a glance, recognizing the Pokémon they had met once before, during the incident when the Lightning Stone was stolen by Team Solar.

Aethera's voice resonates softly in the air around them. "We meet again, Ash and Alice. Your efforts to retrieve the Lightning Stone and protect the balance between species have not gone unnoticed. You saved many lives, and for that, I wish to express my gratitude."

Ash smiles. "It's great to see you again, Aethera. We couldn't have done it without your help back then."

Alice nods in agreement. "Yeah, thanks to you, we were able to stop Team Solar before they caused more harm."

Aethera's form glows softly as it speaks. "I wish to join you, to lend my power to your cause. Together, we can ensure that harmony between all species continues, as I am the spark that allows them to communicate and thrive."

Ash looks at Alice, and they both smile. "We'd be honored, Aethera," Ash says, holding out a Pokéball.

Aethera gently nods, and with a flash, it allows itself to be captured, joining Ash and Alice on their journey to protect balance and harmony.

Aethera: The Aether Symbol Pokémon: Electric Type. Embodying the element of Aether, Aethera is said to hold the spark that can create life, and is able to allow species to communicate with each other.

After completing their mission at the Lightning Temple, Ash, Alice, and Electra make their way to Rassic City to wrap up the final quest at the Quest Floor. The bustling city is alive with activity, but their focus remains on completing their task.

Meanwhile, in the Pokémon Center of Rassic City, Clemont is hard at work, tinkering with one of his machines. Wires and gadgets are scattered around him, as he adjusts his latest invention. Tokui, standing nearby with arms crossed, looks increasingly annoyed.

"Are you sure you're not just trying to build something to track Ash and Alice?" Tokui snaps, narrowing his eyes.

Clemont sighs, not looking up from his work. "No, Tokui! I'm working on something completely different. Besides, Ash and Alice will show up when they're ready."