13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 31 Delia's Perspective

While Ash, Alice, and Alex are exploring Brushus Town, Delia is seated in the Hall of Origin, her divine powers as Arceus focused on tracking down the murderers who have caused so much pain. Despite searching far and wide, she has yet to locate them.

"The only region left is Kanto," Delia murmurs to herself, her concentration intensifying as she scans the familiar lands. Her powers finally reveal a group of people gathering in Cerulean Cave, a place that should be empty. As she hones in on their auras, Delia's eyes widen in recognition. The murderers—Misty, Brock, Tracy, May, Max, Iris, Clemont, Kiawe, and Mallow—are all there.

"So, you think hiding in Cerulean Cave would keep me from finding you?" Delia whispers, her voice laced with determination. She is about to call the authorities when something gives her pause—there are nine more people present in the cave.

"Wait, who are they? And why are they helping these murderers?" Delia's confusion deepens as she extends her powers to probe the auras of the newcomers. After some effort, she identifies them as Ark, Belle, Kaito, Hito, Tokui, Ella, Yuri, Hanako, and Corey. As she delves into their memories, a shocking realization dawns on her.

"According to Valerie, Alice suffered bullying so severe that she had to drop out of school... Could these be the ones who tormented her?" Delia thinks, her heart heavy. "But how is it possible? The nine people who tormented my son and the nine who bullied my daughter-in-law are working together? What is going on here?"

Confusion and suspicion swirl in Delia's mind, but she knows she needs more information. Deciding to listen in on their conversation, she uses her powers to eavesdrop, hoping to uncover their plans.

"You know, we really appreciate your help," Clemont says, his voice filled with gratitude. "You could have turned us in for a reward, but instead, you're helping us hide."

Ark replies with a calm confidence, "It's no problem. We understand your situation. We've also tried to ruin someone who seemed like a threat to our future, but in the end, we failed because they survived against all odds..."

"There's one thing that's been bothering me," Max interjects, his tone filled with doubt. "How is Ms. Ketchum still alive? We were certain we stabbed her in the chest and made sure she wasn't breathing."

Mallow frowns, trying to piece together the puzzle. "Could it be that the one we killed was just a decoy? Maybe the real Ms. Ketchum is still out there?"

Her suggestion is met with skeptical looks from the others, but no one has a better explanation. "Anyway," Mallow continues, "we can't leave this cave. There are too many people out there who would love to see us brought to justice."

Iris, frustration evident in her voice, speaks up. "Why does everyone prefer him anyway? He's a sore loser who always holds us back! He's lost the League so many times, and yet people still look up to him. They should prefer strong people, not someone like him."

The others exchange uneasy glances, but no one has a clear answer to her question. Just then, Kaito approaches the group with a determined look. Belle, noticing him, asks, "Kaito, what did you find? Is there a region where we can hide from the PLA?"

Kaito nods, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Yes, I think I've found a region the PLA has no connection to—the Rikoto Region. It's a place filled with Pokémon that can't be found anywhere else, and the Pokémon from other regions can't be found there either."

Ark's eyes light up at the prospect. "So, this could be the perfect place for our plan for revenge. And if I know anything about the police, they're so corrupt that they'll give up the search after a few months if we hide well enough."