13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 16 Blackleaf Woods

After arriving at Crestlight City with Nurse Joy's help, Ash and Alice immediately notice a commotion near the Pokémon Center. The crowd is gathered tightly, and the air is buzzing with concerned murmurs.

Ash turns to Nurse Joy, curiosity and concern etched on his face. "Nurse Joy, do you know what's going on here?"

Nurse Joy also observes the crowd with a puzzled expression. "That's strange... I'm not sure. Let's go see what's happening."

As they make their way through the throng of people, they catch bits of conversation. A woman's voice rises above the rest, clearly distressed. "...And when I was taking a stroll with my Lophug, I felt a strange presence... I looked around, but couldn't see anything suspicious. Then, in a flash, someone grabbed my handbag and ran off with it!"

A man standing nearby, dressed in a sleek black suit with matching black hair and a striking yellow scarf, interjects with a smirk. "Veni, vidi, fugi—What a hero," he says, his tone dripping with sarcasm.

The male police officer attending to the scene tries to calm the woman. "It must have been quite a shock, madam. But I understand the handbag has been found, right?"

The woman nods, relief evident in her voice. "Yes, yes! Damon here found it for me! I'm so glad!"

"I nearly broke my neck over it," Damon grumbles, rubbing his neck for emphasis. "Perhaps we should charge that thief with attempted murder as well?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Damon," Officer Jenny interjects, her tone stern yet patient. She turns back to the distressed woman. "Madam, are you missing anything from your handbag?"

The woman takes a deep breath, trying to compose herself. "Miraculously, I'm only missing the Poké Ball for my Lophug. Luckily, it was an empty one. I could have been in a lot more trouble, so I'm really relieved!"

"Good to hear you aren't missing anything more valuable, like a wallet," the male police officer says, nodding sympathetically. "Do you remember any details about the thief?"

The woman shakes her head, frustration clear on her face. "No, I swear it was just a moving shadow! Perhaps it was a malicious Dark-type Pokémon instead..."

"A malicious Dark-type Pokémon?" Damon muses, his brow furrowing. "The only Pokémon I know that can pull off something like that is Zoroark, but they aren't native to this region. I didn't think we had any around here..."

Officer Jenny shoots him a disapproving glance. "This is no time for jokes, Damon. We have to take this seriously. There have been numerous reports of similar incidents in the past few days."

Damon sighs, his earlier bravado fading. "I apologize. I'm just bitter about these recent events. I thought we'd banished those scoundrels from daylight and put them under lock and key."

Officer Jenny shakes her head, concern etched in her features. "I'm afraid this situation is beyond what you can handle on your own, Damon. We need a more coordinated effort to deal with this."

"You might be right... but I won't give up!" Damon declares, his determination rekindled.

The woman, still shaken, voices her concerns. "How could these thieves remain untraceable? I'm starting to fear for our safety in this city..."

Before anyone can respond, the male officer interjects, "Um, if I may add something? We just received a report! Apparently, mysterious individuals were spotted in Blackleaf Woods. They might be the ones we're looking for! After all, most incidents have occurred near Blackleaf Woods."

Damon's eyes narrow with resolve. "I will vanish into the shadows and pursue these criminals full force..." he says, his voice trailing off as he suddenly dashes away, disappearing into the crowd.