13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 38 Battle Bridge

On the bridge, Ash finds himself in a series of intense battles, facing off against ten trainers determined to stop him. The first challenger is a School Kid named Bob, who confidently sends out his Snuffuzz. Ash responds by sending out his Cheepip.

"Use Roost," Ash commands calmly, and Cheepip's body glows with a soft light as it recovers its HP.

Bob, frustrated, quickly calls out, "Damn it... Snuffuzz, use Bite!"

Ash remains composed. "Block it with Giga Drain," he instructs. Cheepip counters the attack by absorbing Snuffuzz's energy, causing the opposing Pokémon to weaken and eventually faint.

"No way... I lost," Bob mutters, disbelief clear in his voice. Despite his disappointment, he shakes Ash's hand, acknowledging the defeat with good sportsmanship. "Good luck," he says as he steps aside, allowing Ash to continue across the bridge.

Ash kneels down to pet his Cheepip. "You're doing great, Cheepip," he says warmly. As if in response to Ash's praise, Cheepip begins to glow. Ash watches in awe as his Pokémon evolves right before his eyes, growing into a larger, green parrot-like creature.

Aeroma: The Aroma Pokémon. Grass and Flying Type. Evolved from Cheepip at Level 24. Although big, Aeroma are known to be gentle and caring companions. Their voices have therapeutic power, and their songs brighten even the dullest gardens.

Ash smiles, pleased with the new form. "Looks like Swellow's going to have some competition when it comes to singing," he teases.

Aeroma blushes slightly at Ash's comment, pleased with the compliment. In the next battle, Ash faces another School Kid, this time a girl named Kelly. She confidently sends out her Rubbunny, a small but determined Pokémon. Ash, in turn, calls upon his Tadart, who was once his loyal Bulbasaur.

"Hang in there, Tadart," Ash encourages, his voice steady. "Use Muddy Water!"

With a powerful surge, Tadart summons a torrent of dirty water, crashing it down on Rubbunny. The move is effective, and Rubbunny is quickly overwhelmed, fainting from the attack. Kelly looks disappointed for a moment, but she quickly recovers, offering Ash a smile.

"Thank you for a great battle," she says sincerely, even as she returns her defeated Pokémon to its ball.

Just as Ash is about to respond, Tadart begins to glow, signaling an evolution. Ash watches in awe as Tadart's form shifts and grows, transforming into a larger, frog-like Pokémon.

Dartoad: The Frog Pokémon. Poison and Grass Type. Evolved from Tadart at Level 24. Dartoad uses its leaf-like tail both as a shield to prevent drying out on sunny days and as a water dish on rainy days.

Tadart, now Dartoad, looks down at its new form, blinking in surprise. "So this is what evolution feels like?" Dartoad asks, its voice tinged with curiosity. "It's so weird."

Ash chuckles and pats Dartoad's head reassuringly. "It might feel strange now, but I'm sure you'll get used to it in no time."

Dartoad nods, still adjusting to its new body, but trusting Ash's words. Ash's third opponent on the bridge is a Lass named Andrea. She steps forward confidently, sending out her first Pokémon, Weashock. Ash responds by calling out Monstune, his Ground-type Pokémon.

"Monstune, use Quicksand!" Ash commands.

Monstune stomps the ground, creating a swirling vortex of sand that quickly engulfs Weashock. Despite its attempts to escape, Weashock is unable to withstand the attack and is soon defeated.

Andrea isn't deterred, however, and sends out her second Pokémon, Pixilily. Ash decides it's time for Stotox to take the field.

"Stotox, let's finish this with Rock Blast!" Ash shouts.