13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 14 New Friends Part 1

As night falls, Ash busies himself setting up his tent, knowing they won't make it to the next city before dark. Meanwhile, Alice stands nearby, unsure of what to do as she watches Ash work. Noticing her hesitation, Ash looks up and asks, "Alice? Where's your tent?"

Alice fidgets nervously, then admits, "Um... Ash, I forgot to bring my tent..."

Ash flinches slightly at the unexpected news but quickly takes a deep breath. He offers her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, we can share my tent. After all, we already slept together yesterday."

Alice returns his smile, feeling a wave of relief, and impulsively hugs him. "Thank you, Ash." Both of them blush at the sudden closeness, and they quickly pull back, awkwardly resuming their task of setting up the tent without another word.

Once the tent is ready and it's time to sleep, they change into their pajamas and settle down, falling asleep in each other's arms.

As the new day dawns, Ash and Alice wake up in the same tent. Pikachu, always the playful one, tries to tease them, but Ash silences him with his usual threat involving ketchup, which quickly puts an end to the mischief. After sharing breakfast, they decide to continue their journey and find their way out of the forest.

After walking for a while, Alice pauses, consulting her Poké Gear map to check their location. However, Ash suddenly begins breathing heavily, his face growing pale. Concerned, Alice asks, "Ash, are you okay?"

Ash wobbles slightly, struggling to stay upright. "I don't know what's happening... I feel a bit dizzy..." he admits, his voice weak.

Alice quickly scans their surroundings and then notices something unusual—Ash is stepping on a Pokémon. "Ash, you're stepping on a Stotox. I think that's why you're feeling dizzy."

Ash quickly lifts his foot off the Pokémon and sits down on a nearby rock, trying to steady himself. "Alice, can you help me scan this Pokémon?" he asks, handing her his Pokédex.

"Sure," Alice replies, taking the device from him and preparing to scan the Stotox.

Stotox: The Toxic Stone Pokemon: Rock and Poison Type. Hikers and tourists sometimes come back after a mountainous walk feeling dizzy and faint. This is due to them stepping on a Stotox's poisonous spike.

"No wonder," Ash mutters as he starts to feel a bit better. "If that's the case, Salatad can handle this."

At that moment, Salatad pops out of his Pokéball and grins. "Did you call for me?"

"You're here just in time. I'm going to capture this Stotox—can you help me out?" Ash asks.

"Sure thing," Salatad replies confidently, ready for battle.

Salatad launches a Water Gun attack, which hits Stotox, dealing some damage. In response, Stotox retaliates with Smack Down, causing Salatad to momentarily stagger. Despite the hit, Salatad shakes it off and unleashes a Bubble Beam, wearing down the Stotox until it faints.

"Go! Pokéball!" Ash shouts, throwing the Pokéball with precision. It strikes the weakened Stotox and pulls it inside. After a few tense moments, the Pokéball clicks shut, signaling the capture.

"You've got a new friend—that's amazing, Ash," Alice says, her face lighting up with excitement.

"I know," Ash replies, smiling as he tests his strength by standing up. "And I'm really glad it wasn't anything too serious. The last thing I want is to pass out in the middle of the forest."

After finding their way out of the Dullfern Forest, Ash and Alice arrive at Route 2. Suddenly, they hear a familiar voice calling out, "Hey! Ash! Alice! Wait!"