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.

"But aren't you going to research it?" Ash asks, clearly taken aback.

Shawn, standing beside Rex, shakes his head. "I think it will be better if you have it."

"Thank you," Ash says, accepting the crystal. He then turns to Delia, his curiosity growing. "Now, can you tell us what your relation is with Derek and Starla, the leaders of Team Lunar and Team Solar?"

Amber sighs, bracing herself before speaking. "The truth is, Starla is my older sister." Her words leave everyone stunned. "And Derek is my older brother," Damon adds.

"Wait, you're related to the bosses?" Keira asks, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"Trust me, we didn't know about it until Delia and Red told us a few hours ago," Amber explains, her voice heavy with the weight of the revelation. "No wonder I felt something familiar about that commander named Gloria. She's my niece, after all."

"But why are they doing this?" Alice asks, her voice tinged with concern.

Delia takes a deep breath before responding. "I guess, if anything, it might be our fault." Her words hang in the air, leaving the group confused and anxious for an explanation.

"As you know, Starla and Derek were once our travel companions as well," Delia begins, her voice filled with nostalgia. "We had a good time traveling around the regions, much like you do now."

"But it seems that after we created the Rikoto Region, they became blinded by their greed," Red sighs. "We noticed the change, which is why we decided to make Damon and Amber the leaders of Crestlight and Highpoint instead."

Damon nods. "Derek wasn't happy that I became the Dark Type Gym Leader instead of him, but he still cared for me. He often visited with his son, Marcus."

Amber adds, "Well, Starla wasn't interested in being a Gym Leader. In fact, I asked Delia to change places with her, but it didn't happen. So, I took on the role, and Starla would bring Gloria to train at Mt. Highpoint."

"But after Red was killed by Team Rocket..." Damon sighs heavily, "the last time we saw them was at the funeral 12 years ago."

"We haven't heard from them since," Amber continues, a note of sadness in her voice. "I wonder what exactly happened that caused them to change so drastically..."

Delia looks down, her expression troubled. "I guess... it might be my fault." Her words cause everyone to turn toward her, shocked.

"Mother? What do you mean?" Gina asks, her voice full of concern.

Delia takes a deep breath before explaining. "After the assault by Team Rocket, Starla approached me. She told me she wanted to use Solaran's power to bring order and justice to Team Rocket, to make the region forget about sadness and pain. She believed that if I controlled Solaran's power, I could achieve this. But I refused. Solaran can bring order, but it's the sadness and pain we endure that make us stronger."

Delia's voice wavers as she continues. "We argued. She told me that with Red gone, there was no reason to hold back. She said that if I wouldn't do it, she would—she would find Solaran and become the true ruler of the Rikoto Region. Then she left."

Amber's eyes widen. "Delia, why didn't you tell me about this?"

"I didn't want to worry you," Delia admits. "Not everything is always as colorful as it seems."

Damon, looking troubled, asks, "And what about my brother?"

Delia sighs. "After Starla left, Derek came to me as well. He wanted to use Lunaro's power to bring chaos to Team Rocket and the bad guys. He thought that if I controlled Lunaro, Pokémon wouldn't need to suffer because of humans, and we would be treated equally. I told him what Starla wanted and refused his idea too. Lunaro can bring chaos, but separating humans and Pokémon isn't right. Sometimes we need to work together to accomplish everything."

As Delia recalls the painful memories, tears begin to form in her eyes. "We argued, just like with Starla. He said I was too pitiful to be the leader or Champion of Rikoto and decided to pursue the same goal as Starla, only with Lunaro."

Red steps forward, his heart heavy with guilt. "I'm sorry that you had to suffer so much because of me..." He gently embraces Delia, holding her close as she cries on his shoulder.

Ash and Alice share a moment of sadness for his parents, with Ash expressing his disbelief. "I can't believe that my mom and dad's friends would turn out like this..."

Rodney, determined, steps in. "That makes what we're doing even more important. We have to stop Team Solar and Team Lunar."

Gina adds, "It may not be too late to save them from going down a darker path. But for the sake of everyone, we have to act."

The group shares their thoughts and offers words of encouragement to Delia. She wipes her tears and smiles gratefully. "Thank you, everyone."

Rodney then shifts the focus. "But first, we're going to the castle to battle the Castellan, Lizzy. You should do the same, Ash."

Keira shakes her head with a slight shiver. "As I said, I'm not battling Lizzy. I'm a little afraid of Dragon types... I'm heading to Greenpine City for my next Gym badge. Professor Pinewood also mentioned he'd be there and has a gift for us! See you in Greenpine City, bye!"

After Keira leaves, Rodney turns to Ash. "Good luck battling Lizzy, Ash. I know you'll beat her! But first, it's my turn! Bye!" With that, Rodney heads off as well.

Damon and Amber also decide to leave, intending to search for any clues about their older siblings' activities. This leaves Ash, Alice, Delia, Red, and Gina alone. Ash, still concerned, asks his mother, "Mother, are you truly okay now? I don't want you to worry—you did the right thing."

Delia smiles reassuringly. "I'm fine, Ash. Let's go see your battle against Lizzy." With that, the group leaves the museum together, ready for the next challenge.

After leaving the museum, Ash and his group head to the Pokémon Center to check for any quests. Inside, they find a girl singing cheerfully, "It's raining Nawales, Hallelujah, it's raining Nawales, Hallelujah!"

Ash and the others exchange confused glances before the girl notices them and explains, "Oh, I'm trying to write a song about Nawales, but it's hard because I've never seen one... Could you show me a Nawale?"

Ash gulps slightly, realizing he doesn't have a Nawale in his team. The girl, still smiling, says, "Cool! Just let me know if you have one in your party!"

In another corner of the room, a hiker approaches them. "I have a wish that I really want to come true," he begins. "I've heard a wish will come true if you touch a Meterock that knows the move Wish... Could you show me a Meterock with the move Wish?"

Ash groans inwardly, knowing that's another Pokémon he doesn't have. The hiker, undeterred, says, "Really?! Thanks! Just come back if you have a Meterock with the move Wish in your team!"

Ash mutters under his breath as they walk away, "Just great, two new quests that we can't do for now..."

As they walk around the area, Ash and his group notice Rick standing in front of a house, sighing, "Home, sweet home..."

Just then, two adults step out of the house, chatting warmly. "That's great, dear! I'm pleased to hear how well you're doing!" the woman says, beaming with pride.

"I'm sure you can beat Rex if you want to!" the man adds confidently.

Rick, filled with determination, responds, "I'll beat him after I win the Pokémon League!" But then the woman notices Ash and the group. "Oh, and who are these people?"

Rick turns and sees them as well. "Oh, that's Ash and his girlfriend, Alice, I assume. I met them in Serpentine City. Ash here is competing in Gym battles too—we've battled a few times..."

"A rival, that's cool! It's nice to meet you," the woman says, smiling at Ash.

"Um... it's nice to meet you too," Ash replies, surprised to see Rick acting so polite in front of his parents.

Rick, ever the competitor, declares, "I'm still going to win the Rikoto League, even if Ash is in it—you'll see!"

Just then, a girl's voice cuts in. "Well, look who it is... You should battle your big sister before taking on the Elite Four, don't you think?"

Rick turns to see the girl and exclaims, "Oh, Lizzy! Of course!"

Lizzy, Rick's older sister and the Castellan of Rassic Castle, approaches with a confident smile. "Mom and Dad told me you started your journey and are competing in Gym battles—that's great. But just because we're related doesn't mean I'll go easy on you in a battle!"

"I expect nothing less!" Rick replies, his determination unwavering.

"Then come to Rassic Castle," Lizzy challenges, "let's see if you're really able to defeat me!"

"Alright then! I'll go have a quick training session, and then I will battle you and beat you!" Rick says, then turns to Ash with a smirk. "Ash, don't think you even stand a chance against my sister."

As Rick leaves, Lizzy turns to Ash and his group, bowing slightly. "Sorry about my little brother. He feels like he needs to prove himself. He thinks he's always in my shadow because I run Rassic Castle and am an expert in Pokémon Mega Evolutions."

"Oh really? Then what about him calling me a weakling or a loser every time we met?" Ash asks, his tone a mix of frustration and curiosity.

Lizzy's expression falters, and she sweatdrops. "He did that, huh? I admit, he may come across as mean and hotheaded, but he's actually a good kid underneath it all."

Gina, Delia, and Red approach, and Delia raises an eyebrow. "Is that true?"

Lizzy looks up, surprised to see them. "Oh my, Champion Delia! It's an honor to meet you here. What brings you to this place?"

Delia smiles warmly. "Well, I think it's time for my son and Alice to acquire the Key Stone. Professor Pinewood mentioned that you're an expert in Mega Evolution."

"I see," Lizzy replies, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "How about this: you have to battle me in Rassic Castle. I'll be waiting for you there! I hope you don't fear Dragon-Type Pokémon, haha!"

Alice, undeterred, responds confidently, "Well, I don't think I'll be afraid, considering I'm an Ice-Type Gym Leader."

Lizzy's eyes widen slightly in recognition. "Oh? You're the new Ice-Type Gym Leader? I've heard of you—you're the youngest Gym Leader in the Rikoto Region."

After exchanging farewells with Lizzy's parents, the group heads towards Rassic Castle, ready for the challenges ahead.

Here is a new chapter and I have revealed the truth of Starla and Derek. I hope you like it and the next chapter will be the battle against Lizzy.