13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 2: The start of the journey

Once Alice arrives at Soltree Town, she decides to meet her only friend from school, Rodney. Alice has been a target of bullying, and Rodney was the one who often saved her from the bullies. However, he wasn't always around when she got bullied, and the situation worsened. Valerie, concerned for Alice's well-being, decided to withdraw her from school and arrange for tutors to ensure she received a basic education. Now that Alice has become a Pokémon trainer, Valerie sends her to the Rikoto Region to apply for the Gym Leader test, where Alice eventually becomes the Ice Type Gym Leader.

Rodney, having managed to graduate from school, is invited by Alice to come to the Rikoto Region, and he agrees. He is currently preparing for his journey to challenge the Rikoto League Championship.

Alice walks into Rodney's room. "Rodney, there you are."

"Hey, Alice," Rodney replies, still watching his computer. Suddenly, he exclaims, "It came! My message came! They've processed my application, and I was accepted!"

Alice smiles. "That's great, you can finally start your journey."

"Yeah," Rodney says, excitement in his voice. "And since you're a Gym Leader now, it means I'm going to battle you eventually! But first, I'm going to the lab to get my starter Pokémon. I'm so excited..."

"That's great," Alice responds. "I'm also on my way to the lab since my sisters are going to arrive soon. Why don't we go together?"

"That would be great. Let's go!" The way to the Professor's Lab is not long, and they arrive quickly. As they reach the lab, they notice a pink-haired girl standing at the doorway.

"So, this is Professor Pinewood's Laboratory..." she murmurs to herself, then notices Rodney and Alice approaching. "Oh, hello! Are you two here to get your Pokémon too?"

Alice shakes her head with a smile. "Well, only he is. I'm just accompanying him."

Rodney nods. "She's right. I just got accepted, so I want to get my starter Pokémon as soon as I can!"

The girl nods in understanding. "Oh, I was accepted a while ago. I live in Mossy Town, so I had to walk all the way from there. I just got here myself." She takes a step forward, an idea forming. "Hey, you know what? We should all go in together!"

Rodney hesitates for a moment before agreeing. "Um... sure, why not? By the way, I'm Rodney, and this is Alice. She's the Subhail Gym Leader."

"Wow, a Gym Leader? That's so cool," the girl exclaims. "I'm Keira! Nice to meet you both. Now let's go get our Pokémon!"

Keira grabs Rodney's hand and rushes into the lab, causing him to blush from the unexpected contact.

Alice chuckles as she chases after them. "Hey, wait for me!"

Once they enter the lab, they see Professor Pinewood talking to two girls. One of the girls notices Alice and greets her warmly. "Alice! There you are."

Alice, shocked to see them already there, exclaims, "Sister Eve? Sister Flora?"

Eve smiles and steps forward. "So, how's our little sister doing? Are you doing a fine job here?" Eve hugs Alice and ruffles her hair, much to Alice's embarrassment as Rodney watches.

Alice breaks the hug quickly. "Please stop, Eve... This is not fun, and people are watching."

Professor Pinewood smiles warmly. "It's good to see you again, Alice." He then turns to Rodney and Keira. "Ah, and who do we have here? I take it you two are the new trainers. Have you come to collect your starter Pokémon?"

Rodney nods eagerly. "Yes, sir! My name is Rodney, and this is Keira. We all just got our messages to come to the lab to get our Pokémon."

Professor Pinewood claps his hands together. "Well then! Excellent! Welcome to my Pokémon Lab. As you know, I'm the Professor here, Professor Pinewood. I study the environments where Pokémon like to live and how they grow, survive, and evolve in those conditions."