13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 13 Learning the Truth

As Ash and Alice continue their journey through the Rikoto Region, a different scene unfolds in Lumiose City. Inside a bureau on North Boulevard, Looker is seated across from Dawn and the others, their faces pale and haunted by recent memories. The table before them is cluttered with cups of tea, yet none of them drink. Wrapped in blankets, they shiver—not from the cold, but from the lingering fear and the trauma of what they were forced to do under hypnosis.

Looker rises from his desk, his expression grave. "I see... so this is what happened," he murmurs, the weight of their revelations settling over the room like a heavy fog.

Dawn, her voice trembling, breaks the silence. "Why... why would they make us do this?" Tears spill down her cheeks as she relives the horror.

Bonnie, her own voice choked with emotion, echoes the sentiment. "Yeah... how could Clemont make me kill Hawlucha... Noivern and Talonflame..." She struggles to comprehend the betrayal, her heart aching for the Pokémon she was forced to harm. "Just what is he thinking?"

Looker sighs deeply, his heart heavy with the burden of their pain. "Their motives remain unclear, but those responsible are still at large," he says, his tone firm yet gentle. "I've informed your families about what happened. They'll be here soon, and you'll be safe—for now."

The group nods, their movements sluggish as if weighed down by the enormity of what they've endured. Moments later, the door swings open, and familiar faces rush in: Johanna, Grace, Meyer, Chili, Cress, Molayne, Lana's mother, Lusamine, and Gladion. Without hesitation, they envelop their loved ones in tight embraces, their relief palpable even as fear and anger simmer just beneath the surface.

Grace holds Serena close, her voice a mix of sorrow and disbelief. "I've heard everything from the police. How could they let you do such things?" she whispers, her own tears falling as she strokes Serena's hair.

Lusamine, her gaze fierce, speaks up, her words filled with righteous fury. "This is completely unforgivable," she declares. "It was supposed to be a celebration—a new champion for Alola. How could something so joyful turn into this nightmare?"

Johanna's voice trembles with frustration and fear as she confronts the officers. "And not only that, how are they still on the loose? What are you doing?" Her words hang in the air, heavy with accusation. The police officers lower their heads, unable to meet her gaze.

Looker steps forward, his expression one of resigned determination. "We can only say that these individuals are exceptionally cunning and evil. We've placed bounties on all of them, and I assure you, sooner or later, they will be brought to justice."

Lillie clings to Lusamine, her sobs muffled against her mother's chest. "What should we do..." she cries, her voice filled with despair. "We don't know where Ash is... and maybe he doesn't even want to hear us out. He doesn't know that we were controlled... he might hate us now."

Looker's expression hardens with the gravity of the situation. "This is indeed a serious problem. It's true—Ash Ketchum doesn't know that you were under hypnosis. And beyond that, we can't risk letting you leave this place. We don't know what those people might try to do to you again."

Johanna's worry deepens. "Then where should we hide? We can't just stay here and do nothing."

Looker falls silent, lost in thought, until a commanding presence enters the room. A woman with a queenly bearing, dressed in a flowing blue gown and with auburn hair cascading around her shoulders, steps into the doorway. Her voice is calm yet authoritative as she speaks. "I can help you with that."

The appearance of Delia Ketchum in such regal attire leaves everyone in the bureau stunned. Cilan, wide-eyed, speaks first. "Ms. Ketchum? Is that you?"

Sophocles, equally surprised, adds, "Why are you dressed like that? You look just like a queen in those fancy clothes."