13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 25 Rustbolt City

When they arrive at the Pokémon Center, they find Rodney already there, waiting for them. He greets them with an excited grin. "Hey, guys! You won't believe it—the taxis are back in the city! I wonder who managed to sort things out with the company boss..."

Elena chuckles, a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "I wonder who that could be," she replies, her tone teasing.

Rodney, oblivious to the hint, stretches his arms above his head, letting out a tired yawn. "Well, I'm beat. I need to get some rest so we can be ready to earn our third badge tomorrow. See you all in the morning."

With that, he heads upstairs, leaving Ash and the others to reflect on the day's events as they settle in for the night.

After settling in, Ash and his friends decide to take on some quests at the Pokémon Center's quest floor. As they explore, they encounter a dancer, his outfit vibrant and his movements fluid. He greets them with a smile. "Hello! I'm the leader of the 'Rustbolt Breakdancers.' I was supposed to meet my crewmates here, but they haven't shown up... Maybe you could help me find them?"

Ash nods, eager to assist. "Sure, Rustbolt City is big, but we can help you track them down."

The dancer's face lights up with relief. "Thanks! I think they're scattered around the city, probably dancing as usual. Remember, there are five of us in total!"

With their mission clear, the group heads out to search for the missing dancers. The first dancer is found just a block east of the Pokémon Center, grooving to a rhythm only he can hear. The second is discovered west of the Center, near a cleaning man who watches the dancer's moves with mild amusement. The third dancer is spotted at the bustling central plaza, drawing a small crowd with their energetic performance. The fourth is found near the Game Corner, lost in a world of spins and flips.

Thanks to the convenience of the taxis, Ash and his friends are able to gather the dancers quickly and bring them back to the Pokémon Center.

"Thank you, dude!" the leader exclaims, clearly grateful. "This meeting is important—we have a show in one week, and we need to start training!"

As a token of appreciation, he hands Ash a Quick Claw. "Take this. It might come in handy on your journey."

As they continue exploring the quest floor, Ash and his friends come across a young boy who is crying, tears streaming down his cheeks. Concerned, Alice kneels down beside him and gently asks, "Hey, what's wrong?"

The boy sniffles, trying to speak through his sobs. "Ahhh... sniff... Can you... sniff... Can you find my little... sniff Zuppy for me? sniff"

Ash exchanges a glance with Alice before nodding reassuringly. "A lost Pokémon? Of course, we'll help you find Zuppy."

The boy looks up at them, his eyes filled with a mix of hope and tears. "Oh, thank you... sniff so much! If you sniff go to my house... sniff my Mom will give you Zuppy's favorite Pokédoll... sniff She'll hand it over if you tell her... sniff that you're helping find Zuppy! sniff"

Ash pats the boy's shoulder gently. "Don't worry, we'll do our best to bring Zuppy back to you."

When they arrive at the boy's house, they are greeted by his mother, who looks concerned. "Rustbolt is such a big city; it's easy to get lost in it!"

Alice steps forward and explains, "We're here because your son asked us to help find his missing Zuppy. He mentioned that we would need Zuppy's favorite Pokédoll to lure it back."

The mother's eyes widen with worry. "What? My son's Zuppy is lost again... Oh no, I can't believe it... But you're searching for it on his behalf? That's so kind of you! Here, take Zuppy's favorite Pokédoll. Zuppy will definitely come to you when you show it to him."