13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 34 Goldune Gym Battle

Back in Goldune City, while Rick is occupied with his Gym battle, Ash and his friends decide to take on some quests. As they explore the city, they encounter an old man standing near the Pokémon Center.

"Oh! Hello! You're a Trainer, aren't you?" the old man greets them with a concerned expression. "I am hiking with my grandson in the Goldune Caves, but he sees one of his favorite Pokémon and runs off... He's just visiting with me, and I need to bring him back to his mother in Rustbolt City in two days... Could you help me find him?"

"Sure, we can help you out," Alice responds kindly.

"Really? Thank you! You should know that he loves to swim, so it might be helpful to have Surf..."

Ash and his friends exchange glances, realizing they need to return to the cave where they found Dustin earlier. Remembering the pool of water they saw there, they know it's the place to search. Using their Pokémon, they surf across the water and soon find the boy stranded on the other side.

"What?! ... Who are you?" the boy asks, startled by their sudden appearance.

"We are asked by your grandfather to find you," Ash replies reassuringly.

"Thank goodness," the boy sighs in relief. "I never thought I'd find my way out of this cave alone..."

With the boy safely in tow, they help him cross the pool of water and lead him back to the Pokémon Center in Goldune City. The old man is overjoyed to see his grandson safe and sound. "Thank you so much! You find him! Here, this is for you. I don't need it anymore."

He hands them a TM for Sandstorm as a token of his gratitude. As they walk through Goldune City, Ash and his friends notice a building with a sign that reads "Fossil Research Lab." Curious, Alice asks, "What is the Fossil Research Lab? I think I heard there's one in Ambrette Town in the Kalos Region too."

"They're places that help revive and research fossils," Ash explains. "They're pretty cool. I've been to a lot of them before."

Alex nods in agreement. "What Ash said is completely right. That reminds me, didn't we get two fossils from Dustin? How about we go revive them over there?"

"That sounds like a good idea," Ash replies. "Maybe the two Fossil Pokémon can help us with the upcoming challenges as well." With that, they all head toward the Fossil Research Lab.

As they enter, a scientist approaches them with a welcoming smile. "Welcome, Queen Delia and Prince Ash. Dustin has informed us of your arrival."

Ash nods. "We want to have these fossils turned back into Pokémon." He hands over the Teeth Fossil and Plate Fossil to the scientist.

"Of course," the scientist says, taking the fossils. "Just give me a moment, and I'll get them revived for you." He places the fossils into a reviving machine. "It will take a little time, so you'll need to wait."

As they wait, Delia checks the time and suggests, "Since we have to wait, how about you go fight Dustin now?"

Ash hesitates. "Are you sure? Who's going to look after the Fossil Pokémon for us?"

"Don't worry," Delia reassures him with a smile. "I'll wait here for you and take care of the Fossil Pokémon. I'm sure you'll be able to defeat Dustin without any problem."

"Okay, Mother. We'll see you later," Ash says as he, Alice, and Alex head towards the gym, ready for their next challenge.

When they arrive at the Gym, Alice turns to Alex with curiosity. "Alex, what kind of Gym does Dustin run?"

"Dustin specializes in Ground Types," Alex explains. "His strategy is tough to beat because he has mastered Quicksand."

"Quicksand?" Ash echoes, intrigued. "Is that a new move?"