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?"

"It might have something to do with the temples in the Rikoto Region," Wade suggests, his voice serious.

Professor Pinewood nods in agreement. "Wade is right. Both Team Solar and Team Lunar are attempting to gather the five Elemental Stones to open a portal to where Solaran and Lunaro are sealed."

"Solaran?" Ash asks, confused.

"Lunaro?" Alice echoes, equally puzzled.

Pinewood begins to explain, "According to legend, the five Elemental Pokémon—Terradon, Tigacore, Searine, Tornadowl, and Aethera—used their combined powers to seal Solaran and Lunaro away in another dimension, ending a war that once ravaged this region."

Keira, intrigued, asks, "Why was there a war between them?"

Delia steps forward, her expression somber. "Allow me to explain, Professor. Solaran and Lunaro were both born from an eclipse. In a sense, they are the same Pokémon, but with different natures. Solaran was born from the light of the eclipse, embodying the energy and power of the sun. Lunaro, on the other hand, was born from the shadow of the eclipse, representing the mysteries and calm of the moon."

Rodney, trying to grasp the concept, asks, "So... they're like twins?"

"Exactly," Delia confirms. "But I would say they're more like two sides of the same coin. Opposite, yet inseparable."

Keira's eyes widen as she pieces it together. "So, Team Solar and Team Lunar are gathering those stones to set them free?"

"Yes," Pinewood replies gravely. "But the Elemental Stones alone aren't enough. They also need to find the Sun Crystal and the Moon Crystal. Without these crystals, Solaran and Lunaro cannot be controlled. If the teams succeed in releasing them without the crystals, it could lead to devastation across the entire Rikoto Region."

As the group discusses the threat posed by Team Solar and Team Lunar, Ash begins to zone out, his mind drifting to the encounters he's had with the Legendary Pokémon—Terradon, Aethera, and Tigacore. Alice, standing beside him, is lost in similar thoughts, recalling the ominous warnings they received. The others continue their conversation, unaware that Ash and Alice are deep in contemplation.

Eventually, Delia notices their distant expressions and gently interrupts. "Ash? Alice? What are you thinking?"

Ash's voice is quiet, as if he's repeating a memory. "When Light and Dark fight... the Prince of the Sun and the Princess of the Moon will save the region with Balance..."

Keira looks at him, puzzled. "What are you talking about, Ash? Where did that come from?"

Ash snaps back to reality and explains, "It's a prophecy I heard from Terradon after Team Lunar took the Earth Stone."

Wade's eyes widen in surprise. "What? Team Lunar has the Earth Stone?"

Alice nods, adding to the gravity of the situation. "And not only that, but Team Solar has the Volt Stone as well."

The group reacts with shock, and Wade mutters under his breath, "Just great, they've got two stones already..."

Alice continues, her voice filled with concern. "I also remember Aethera telling us that once Solaran and Lunaro wake up, they'll fight each other, causing chaos across the region. Is that true, Professor?"

Professor Pinewood, now fully grasping the situation, asks, "So, you've met those two Legendaries?"

Ash nods. "We have. We encountered them in their respective temples."

Mark chimes in, "And Tigacore warned us too. He mentioned that both teams are targeting the crystals, but we have no idea where they are."

Ash then reaches into his bag, pulling out a glowing red stone. The group's attention snaps to it as he reveals it. "But we do have this," Ash says. "This is the Core Stone. Amber gave it to me so that neither team could find it. We've defeated them many times before, so I believe we can protect this stone from them."

Wade stares at the stone, a mix of awe and concern on his face. "Ash... you have the Core Stone?"

Ash nods, his determination clear. "Yes, and I'll do everything I can to keep it safe. Both teams may have the Earth and Volt Stones, but as long as we protect this, they won't be able to complete their plans."

"So that leaves the Sea Stone and the Wind Stone," Rodney says thoughtfully. "The Sea Stone is in Rainbow Reef on Route 10, and the Wind Stone is in Whisper Tunnel, north of Greenpine City..."

Reisa frowns, trying to piece it all together. "But I don't see how these teams' plans will work. I mean, all five stones need to be together for their plan to succeed, and if they're all separated, it shouldn't work."

Alice nods in agreement. "That's true. Knowing Team Lunar and Team Solar, they won't be willing to hand over either the Earth Stone or the Volt Stone to each other."

Professor Pinewood interjects, his tone serious. "Which is why I believe they have backup plans. These teams are dangerous and will do anything to seize control of the Rikoto region."

Delia's expression hardens with determination. "We can't let them have the stones," she says firmly. Ash notices the intensity in his mother's eyes, puzzled by the depth of her concern. He's seen her worry about Team Solar and Team Lunar before, but he's never fully understood why she's so deeply affected by them.

"That's right," Keira agrees, her voice resolute.

Pinewood looks at the group, his gaze lingering on Ash. "I know you all were a good choice for the Pokédex, but please be careful. I trust you can handle yourselves, Ash. You've come so far, but you must protect that stone with everything you have and make sure the teams never find out you have it."

Ash nods, his resolve strengthening. "Of course. We'll do everything we can to stop them."

The group collectively nods, their determination in sync. Wade then turns to the professor. "So, Professor, wasn't there something you wanted to give to Ash, Keira, and Rodney?"

Professor Pinewood blinks, remembering. "Oh, that's right! I almost forgot. I want to give you these surfboards."

Wade retrieves three surfboards and hands them to Ash, Keira, and Rodney. Keira looks at the surfboard in her hands, confused. "Um... why do we need these?"

Delia steps in with an explanation. "These surfboards will allow you to surf across the water and reach places you couldn't access before. You can tie the rope around your Water-type Pokémon so you can surf without falling."

"I see," Rodney says, nodding as he puts the surfboard away. "Though I'll be fine since I have Salaslam."

Keira smiles, holding her surfboard with more confidence. "And I have Pooldog. This will be really useful when we head to the next city for our gym battle."

"Good," Pinewood says, glancing at his watch. "Unfortunately, I have to go. There's more research I need to do in Goopool Swamp. Good luck, and please be careful out there."

After Professor Pinewood leaves, Wade turns to the group with a determined look. "Alright, guys. You know the drill for this gym battle. Once all three of you have seven badges, I'll be ready to battle you. But for now, I need to get back to the Gym. Reisa, Mark, do you want to come along?"

"Sure," Reisa replies, ready to accompany him.

"See you later, everyone," Mark adds with a wave as they head out.

Keira, full of energy, turns to Ash and Alice, her excitement palpable. "I know we can do this! Team Solar and Team Lunar don't stand a chance! I'm so pumped! I'm going to go train right now! I'll see you guys around!"

Rodney, more thoughtful, nods in agreement. "It's not just the two evil teams that are a threat—there are others who want to make things difficult for us too. But Keira's right. As long as we stick together, we can beat them! You should head to Goopool Swamp next. It's in the eastern area of Route 9."

Ash, intrigued, turns to his mother. "If I remember correctly, there's someone we know training at Goopool Swamp," Delia says, her words adding a layer of mystery.

Ash looks at her, puzzled. "Who?"

Delia gives him a knowing smile. "You'll find out soon enough."

With that, they leave the aquarium, the weight of their mission pressing on their minds, but the bond between them giving them the strength to move forward.

As Ash, Alice, and Delia arrive at the entrance to Goopool Swamp, they spot Rodney in the middle of a battle with a girl. The girl, with blonde hair, is commanding a Pharobe—the evolved form of Wraphro. Rodney's Salaslam lies defeated, wrapped in Pharobe's bandages.

"I lost..." Rodney sighs, clearly disappointed. "You're really strong."

"Why, thank you," the girl replies with a smile. She then notices the newcomers. "And it seems we've attracted an audience."

Rodney turns to see Ash and the others approaching. "Oh, guys, you made it! The surfboard we got from Professor Pinewood was really useful. I had a great time surfing with Salaslam."

"You had Salaslam pull your surfboard?" Ash asks, intrigued. "That sounds interesting."

Rodney nods and gestures to the area around them. "And here we are, at the entrance to Goopool Swamp."

Alice looks around, curiosity piqued. "Goopool Swamp is supposed to be a mysterious place... but we don't need to worry about that, right?"

"Not as long as I'm with you," the girl says, stepping forward. The group turns to her, and Ash's eyes widen in recognition. "It's been a while since I last saw you, Ash. I've missed you so much."

Ash groans as she begins to ruffle his hair. "Not again... First Elena and Wade, and now you? Seriously, Sis Gina?"

Gina laughs, finally releasing him from her playful grip. "Can you blame me? Mom's been keeping secrets about you for too long."

Alice blinks in surprise. "Gina... Wait, she's your sister?"

Rodney, equally surprised, exclaims, "What? Another one?"

Ash sighs, resigned to the situation. "Yeah, she's my sister Gina. And trust me, you don't want to get on her bad side. She'll haunt you with her ghost Pokémon."

Gina chuckles, waving off his warning. "Those words are unnecessary, but it's true—I love ghosts."

Rodney, still reeling from his defeat, adds, "No wonder you beat me with a team full of ghosts. By the way, Ash, did you see those rocks on the beach? You can smash them with Rock Smash, but there's another way—you can use this Hammer."

He hands Ash the Hammer, who gives him a skeptical look. "A Hammer? Really?"

Rodney grins sheepishly. "I bought one for myself, but I thought it might be useful for you and Keira too. So, you can have it."

"Thanks... I guess," Alice says, examining the Hammer. "But why do we need to smash rocks?"

Gina chimes in, excitement in her voice. "I've heard there are smashable rocks all over the region, and you can find rare items underneath them. How cool is that?"

Delia smirks, giving Gina a knowing look. "Or maybe you're just hoping to find some Pokémon hiding under those rocks?"

Gina sighs, her excitement deflating slightly. "You got me, Mom."

Rodney, eager to move on, says, "Well, I have to get going." He bids them farewell, and after a quick exchange of goodbyes, Ash and his group turn to enter Goopool Swamp.

Now that Ash and the others have a glimpse of what Team Solar and Team Lunar's ambitions are. And since you have a Good Rod and Surfboard, you can get more water encounters from now, though I won't write the previous routes one. I hope you like this chapter. The next chapter will be the Goopool Swamp.