13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 3 Reunion with Old Friends

After registering Ash for the League, Professor Pinewood returns to the room with three Pokéballs in his hands. He turns to Rodney and Keira.

"So, how about you choose your Pokémon now?" he says, throwing the three Pokéballs. They open to reveal a turtle-like Pokémon with leaves on its brown shell, a yellow kitten with red stripes, and a salamander with purple spots on its back.

"These are the three starters," Professor Pinewood explains. "They are named Herovor, Purrlit, and Salatad. I'll let you decide who will choose first."

Keira's eyes light up. "I don't mind which one I get; I already know I'll love it!"

Rodney grins. "Keira, how about we decide this with a coin flip? Heads or tails?"

Keira turns to Rodney with a smile. "Then I'll choose tails."

Rodney flips the coin, and it lands in his palm. He opens it to reveal heads. Rodney looks at the coin in his hand and chuckles. "Oops. Looks like I won, so I guess I get to choose first." He gazes at Salatad and decides, "I'll choose this one."

Professor Pinewood nods. "Alright, Rodney, meet your new partner, Salatad."

Keira steps forward, smiling at Herovor. "I'll take this little cutie here!"

Professor Pinewood beams at the new trainers. "Well done, both of you! You've chosen excellent Pokémon, and I'm sure they will grow to be strong and magnificent. Now, make sure you take very good care of them."

Rodney nods enthusiastically. "We will, Professor! I promise! I'll train my Pokémon every day and make sure it's always happy!"

Professor Pinewood smiles warmly. "I'm certain you will, Rodney." He then turns to Ash. "Ash, from the letter written by your mother, I believe I should have given these three to you as well."

From a shelf, Professor Pinewood takes out three special Pokéballs. When he releases the Pokémon inside, the same three starters appear. As Ash gets closer, the three Pokémon rush to him and hug him tightly.

Ash's eyes widen in surprise. "You three..."

Tears well up in his eyes, and he hugs them back, causing everyone to look on in confusion. Rodney asks, "What is Ash doing? Aren't they just Starter Pokémon?"

Professor Pinewood shakes his head. "According to Ash's mother, the Pokémon that Ash is hugging are the reincarnated souls of his former Pokémon: Torterra, Infernape, and Oshawott."

Eve's eyes widen. "So... they have already reincarnated as the Pokémon living in this region?"

Professor Pinewood nods. "Yes, they have. But with Arceus' powers, they retain the memories of their journey with Ash."

Ash, breaking the hug from the Pokémon, looks emotional. "I am so happy to have you guys back..." He turns to Professor Pinewood. "Professor, can I take them with me?"

Professor Pinewood smiles warmly. "Of course you can. Here are their Pokéballs."

Ash takes the Pokéballs from the Professor, feeling grateful. Rodney, curious, asks, "So Ash, can you show us your Pokémon?"

Ash nods. "Sure, let's go outside so I can show you my Pokémon."

After heading outside, they find a large open space near the lab. Ash throws several Pokéballs into the air, and a multitude of Pokémon appear. Among them are 17 regular Pokémon, as well as Meloetta, Marshadow, Ho-Oh, Nihilego, Zygarde, Diancie, Genesect, Hoopa, Jirachi, Victini, Manaphy, Shaymin, Zeraora, Mewtwo, Kyurem, Latias, Darkrai, and Magearna.

Flora is astonished. "You have Legendaries as well?"

Ash nods. "Yeah, after the betrayal, some of these Pokémon decided to join me. They want to train with me and help me and my Pokémon grow stronger. Guys, look who it is!" He releases Herovor, Purrlit, and Salatad from their Pokéballs.