13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 8 Serpentine City

Ash and Alice arrive at Serpentine City after leaving Mossy Forest, the buildings are all pink and beautiful, and a delightful aroma fills the air.

Ash smiles, taking in the scenery, "Wow, not only does this place look beautiful, but it also smells amazing."

Alice nods in agreement, "I know. The gym leader of this city is a bit like me. We both recently took on our positions."

Suddenly, they hear a familiar voice calling out to them.

"Rodney: Alice! Ash! Over here!"

They notice Rodney waving to them from the road, so they walk over and greet him.

"Hello, Rodney," Alice says warmly.

Rodney grins, "You guys made it! Did you find your friends and catch any new Pokémon?" He looks excited, then quickly adds, "Wait, don't tell me! I want to see them in a battle!"

Ash chuckles, "So you want to battle now?"

Rodney shakes his head, "But first, I think we should check out this place on my right. It's the Trainer's School!"

Alice frowns, a shadow passing over her face as she remembers her past experiences. Sensing her discomfort, Ash gently holds her hand to reassure her.

Rodney tries to reassure Alice, "Don't worry. This school is different from the one in Kalos. I'm sure you won't get the same treatment here. Do you think we might learn something cool if we go in?"

Ash grins, "I think there's only one way to find out!"

The three of them walk into the school, and they find that the class is having fun. Alice sighs in relief, knowing that the people here must be friendly.

"Let's talk with the teacher! Come on!" Rodney urges.

They walk forward and find the teacher, a middle-aged man who looks like he's about to turn fifty.

"Why, hello there, young trainers! My name is Donovan Bella, but you can call me Mr. Bella," the teacher greets them warmly. "I'm the teacher at this Pokémon Trainer School! I teach beginner trainers the things they need to know to become the best trainers they can be!"

After the three of them introduce themselves, Mr. Bella learns that Alice is a Gym Leader.

"I'm passing on my experience as the former Gym Leader of this city, which my daughter has now taken over," Mr. Bella explains.

Rodney's eyes widen in amazement. "Woah! Your daughter is the Gym Leader here?"

"Yes indeed," Mr. Bella replies with a proud smile. "I taught her everything she knows about being a Gym Leader. She's still new to it all, but I think she's finding her feet."

Alice's eyes light up with recognition. "So your daughter is Donna? We got our positions on the same day."

Rodney grins. "Really? That's awesome! Ash, this will be easy."

Mr. Bella chuckles. "I wouldn't be too confident about that, young one. She may be new to being a Gym Leader, but she's quite experienced as a trainer. You definitely have an intense battle ahead of you." He pauses, then adds with a twinkle in his eye, "Hey, you know what? Let's make a deal, kiddo. If you beat her in battle and show me the badge, I'll give you something special! I won't tell you what it is, but it's something very useful for trainers."

Ash smiles confidently. "That doesn't sound too hard! You're on, Mr. Bella!"

Rodney is practically bouncing with excitement. "Come on, Ash, Alice! Let's go to the Gym! I want that Gym badge!"