13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 10 Sepertine Gym Battle

The next morning, Ash and Alice finally arrive at the gym for the gym challenge.

Alice gives some advice, "Ash, I want to give you a tip. Donna uses Poison-Type Pokémon. This means that Grass-type and Bug-type attacks don't work well against her, so be careful. And she will be using three Pokémon for her battles."

Ash smiles, "Okay, thanks."

Alice is captivated by Ash's smile, which captures her heart. She smiles back, giving him the courage he needs to defeat the gym. Once they step inside, they see that the gym is designed like a maze, made of bushes adorned with red and white roses.

Ash admires the scenery, "Hey Alice, those roses sure are beautiful."

Just as Ash is about to approach the roses, Alice quickly grabs his hand to stop him.

She warns, "Well, the gym here sure looks like a maze of rose hedges and trees. Ash, be careful not to get poisoned by their thorns. But I am sure that you can make it."

Ash nods, "Okay. I'll be careful."

Both of them blush at how close they are to each other. At that moment, Donna approaches them from the other side of the battlefield.

Donna greets them with a smile, "Oh hey, Ash, hey Alice! I'm glad you came! Did I miss something?"

Ash and Alice quickly break out of their close position, both blushing in embarrassment. Donna notices but decides to brush it off, not wanting to pry.

Donna gestures around, "Well, this is the gym... well, my gym, I guess. It used to belong to my dad, so I just started growing my roses here."

Ash nods in approval, "I can tell, and you really did a good job."

Donna smiles warmly, "I've loved Poison-type Pokémon since I was born. They can be tough, but beautiful, too. Just like every rose has its thorns! Let's do our best, okay? Choose up to three Pokémon for our battle, and we should get started! Here is my first Pokémon! Tadart!"

As she sends out her first Pokémon, a half-tadpole, half-frog-like creature with a leaf attached to the tip of its tail appears.

Ash observes the leaf on the tail and thinks aloud, "I have to guess that it is not only a Poison Type but also a Grass Type. So, Budcheep! I choose you!"

As Budcheep appears, it flies into the air and growls. Just as the match begins, Tadart suddenly disappears inside the maze.

Donna commands, "Camouflage is now set, first, Leaf Darts while moving!"

Ash quickly yells, "Budcheep, dodge it!"

But because Tadart's color is very similar to the bushes, Budcheep can't see where the attack is coming from, and it gets hurt.

Ash grits his teeth, "Budcheep, Wing Attack on the hedges!"

Budcheep manages to cut through the hedges and hits Tadart, sending it backward.

Ash smiles, "Nice job, Budcheep."

Budcheep tries to cheer, but suddenly falls in agony. Ash notices a purple tint on Budcheep's face and realizes what's happening.

Ash exclaims, "What? You got poisoned, but how?"

Donna smirks, knowing exactly what's going on.

She explains, "Every Gym Leader in the Rikoto Region has field effects on their side. For example, the maze is also poisonous, so I would think twice if I were you. Tadart! Use Growl!"

Ash sees Tadart charging its attack. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, trying to stay calm.

Ash says with determination, "I know, Alice told me about this." He opens his eyes wide with determination. "But I can still do this. Use Sing!"