13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 33 Goldune Desert Part 2

As they continued their journey, Ash spotted another Pokémon nearby. "That looks just like a Dwebble," he remarked, intrigued by the familiar shape.

Delia nodded. "Yes, that's a Sandugg. Unlike Dwebble, which uses rocks, Sandugg builds its house out of sand."

Ash grinned. "Then I'll use Glocoon to battle." He sent out his Pokémon, but Sandugg simply looked at Glocoon with curiosity. However, Glocoon seemed nervous and immediately used Flash, blinding Sandugg and causing it to stumble in confusion.

"Glocoon, that's not the right move!" Ash scolded, but before he could issue another command, Glocoon began to glow brightly. Its form shifted and expanded, eventually transforming into a butterfly-like Pokémon.

Glowing: The Glowworm Pokémon. Bug and Electric Type. Evolved from Glocoon at level 18. Glowing can generate light so strong that it can illuminate an entire forest, making it appear as if there are no trees blocking the sun. Travelers rely on them to find their way out of dense forests.

As Sandugg recovered from its confusion, it inspected its sand shell with concern. "Be careful! It takes a lot of time to preserve this sand!"

"Sorry about that," Glowing apologized, its wings still shimmering with light. Sandugg then noticed Ash standing nearby and asked, "Are you the prince, perhaps?"

Ash blinked in surprise. "Well, I am. Why do you ask?"

"I've been waiting here for days," Sandugg explained. "I want to join your team."

Ash smiled warmly. "If that's what you want, then welcome aboard!" He tossed a Poké Ball, capturing Sandugg with ease.

Sandugg: The Sand Bug Pokémon. Ground and Bug Type. Sandugg build their shells out of highly compressed sand. Construction sites employ them to create bricks for use in desert areas.

With Sandugg now part of his team, Ash felt a sense of accomplishment. As Glowing fluttered by his side, they prepared to continue their adventure, now with another new friend in tow.

After walking for a while, the group finally reached Goldune City. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the dusty streets. Eager to challenge the Gym Leader, they headed straight to the gym, only to be met by a staff member who greeted them with a friendly smile.

"You want a Gym battle? Well, Dustin isn't here right now. He's off in Goldune Desert searching for Pokémon Fossils. You can find him in the cave out there!"

Alice groaned in frustration. "Oh man... we just came all this way, and now we have to go back to the desert?"

Delia, ever observant, added, "I think I did see a cave before, but it was blocked by Strength Boulders. If only we had some Strength Gloves..."

As they pondered their next move, they noticed a small house nearby. Curious, they approached and knocked on the door. A friendly hiker answered, beaming at them.

"Hey there, young trainer!" the hiker greeted Ash. "Do you know how to move boulders? In the past, you needed a Pokémon with the move Strength, but nowadays, you can move them yourself with the right equipment. I bought some Strength Gloves for my daughter, but they were too big for her... So I'll give them to you!"

The group was delighted to receive the Strength Gloves, a crucial tool that would allow them to move the boulders and access the cave.

With the gloves in hand, they headed back to the desert, determined to find the cave where Dustin was searching for fossils. Their adventure was far from over, and they were ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.