13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 36 Fallrock Valley Part 2

Once they are outside the cave, they spot the little girl waiting anxiously. Ash approaches her and hands back the Poké Ball. "Here you go."

The girl's face lights up with joy. "Thank you so much!" she exclaims, clutching the Poké Ball tightly. "I can't believe you got it back! When I saw those thieves running out of the cave, I knew you had beaten them! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Please take this! I found it while I was waiting for you to come back!"

Ash accepts the gift and opens his hand to reveal a set of Friend Balls. "What do you know, they're Friend Balls. Thank you so much."

Keira, smiling, adds, "Well, it was no problem! It was actually kinda fun and exciting to battle with you guys. You sure are strong, Ash, Alice."

"Thank you again! Now I can leave this place! I hope I don't run into them again," the girl says before waving goodbye and heading off.

Ash watches her go, his expression thoughtful. "But still, it doesn't explain what Team Lunar is up to..."

Mark, curious, turns to Ash and Alice. "By the way, is it true that you two fought them back in Dullfern Forest? The Earth Temple?"

"Yeah," Ash confirms, recalling the encounter. "They stole the Earth Stone..."

"That's strange... I wonder what Professor Pinewood would have to say about this. He might know! I'll head on to Orshore Town to call him at the Pokémon Center and tell him!" Keira decides.

"Orshore Town is the next place we reach after traveling through Fallrock Valley, right?" Alice asks.

"Yeah," Keira nods. "I'll see you later." She waves as she heads off.

Delia then turns to Mark with a warm smile. "So, Mark, do you want to come with us?"

"Sure, I'd like to hear everything about my brother," Mark replies eagerly.

Ash, feeling a bit shy, pleads, "Mother, please don't tease me too much, okay?"

The group shares a laugh as they prepare to continue their journey together.

With Mark now part of the team, they've been training intensely in Fallrock Valley. "Jumple, let's try it again. Use Bounce!" Ash calls out.

Jumple bounces high into the air, executing the move with increasing precision. Mark watches closely. "It seems like it's progressing."

"But it's not enough. Use Bounce again," Ash instructs. This time, as Jumple descends, it accidentally collides with a floating Pokémon that resembles molecules.

"That's Atomix," Alice says, recognizing the Pokémon.

"I know, sis Elena has used one before," Ash replies. "Jumple, let's fight it! Use Feint!"

Jumple lands a hit, but it's not very effective. Atomix retaliates with Magnet Bomb, dealing some damage to Jumple.

"Jumple, are you okay?" Ash asks, concerned. Jumple nods determinedly, then suddenly begins to glow. With a powerful Mega Kick, it knocks Atomix out, evolving in the process.

"It's now a Casspring," Alice notes, impressed. "And that jump was really high," Mark adds, equally amazed.

Atomix: The Atom Pokémon. Electric and Steel Type. Atomix possess a body structure that heavily resembles atoms; researchers are investigating whether this is simply a coincidence or something more.

Casspring: The Bouncing Pokémon. Bug and Flying Type. Evolved from Jumple at level 22. Casspring's legs act like springs, enabling it to jump extremely high. It often startles people when it lands from the sky out of nowhere.