13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 17 Thieves in the Haunted House

As Ash and Alice continue deeper into Blackleaf Woods, they soon spot Damon standing in front of a strange, weathered hut. He's staring at it with a contemplative look, muttering under his breath, "Every time I look at this house, I wonder who built it and for what purpose..."

"Damon? The Gym Leader?" Ash asks in surprise, causing Damon to turn around abruptly and notice the two approaching.

Damon's eyes narrow with suspicion. "Who are you, huh? Unless you're here to help, stay out of my way."

Ash quickly steps forward, his expression determined. "We're really here to help! There's no way we can let criminals get away. My name is Ash Ketchum, and this is Alice. She recently became the Gym Leader in Subhail City."

Damon's gaze shifts to Alice, his eyebrows raising in surprise. "Oh, so you're the new Subhail Gym Leader. It's surprising that you're not at your post."

Alice meets Damon's gaze confidently. "I want to gain more experience before fully taking on my role. That's why I'm traveling with Ash, who's aiming to win the Rikoto League."

Damon nods at Alice's explanation and then turns his attention to Ash. "So you're Ash, a Trainer aiming for the Rikoto League, huh? And you've heard about the thieves, I take it? Well, if you want me back at my gym, you'll have to help me first."

Ash sighs, his determination unwavering. "We did say we're here to help you, didn't we? Were you even listening?"

Damon studies Ash closely, noticing the fire in his eyes. There's something familiar about that determination, something that stirs a memory deep within him. "Are you, by any chance, related to Delia Ketchum? Your eyes... they remind me of hers."

Ash blinks in surprise. "You're talking about my mom? Did you know her?"

Damon's expression mirrors Ash's surprise. "Now that explains a lot. Delia was my traveling partner back in the Unova Region. She's not just strong—she's... well, let's just say she's also quite attractive."

Ash's eyes widen slightly in surprise. "Hot? I've never heard anyone describe my mom like that..." He sweatdrops, clearly unsure how to respond to such a statement.

Damon chuckles, waving off his comment. "Ignore that. What matters now is this place," he says, turning his attention back to the mysterious hut. "I've got a bad feeling about it, and I'm not one to ignore my instincts."

Ash and Alice exchange a glance, then nod in agreement. "Let's check it out," Ash says, stepping forward with Alice by his side.

Together, they follow Damon toward the hut, each of them bracing for whatever might be waiting inside.

As they rush inside the hut, Ash, Alice, and Damon come upon two thieves in the middle of a heated argument.

The first thief, clearly frustrated, snaps at his partner. "What kind of thief are you? Stealing a Poké Ball without a Pokémon in it..."

The second thief defends himself, sounding a bit sheepish. "I just thought she had another Pokémon besides the Lophug with her..."

"Never mind that. Let's focus on our next run. I've heard there's an organization buying stolen Pokémon for a lot of money!" the first thief suggests, his eyes gleaming with greed.

As they turn to leave, they freeze in their tracks, finally noticing the three intruders. The first thief sneers, "Hey, who are these losers? Did anyone invite you in?"

Damon steps forward, his tone cool and unimpressed. "Is that any way to treat your guests? From what I overheard, you two must be the thieves causing all the trouble. That makes my job a lot easier."