13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 40 Route 7

As Ash and his friends make their way along Route 7, they spot Keira training with her new Pokémon, a Roobeo. Noticing them, Keira waves enthusiastically. "Oh, hey guys! How are you?" she calls out, greeting them with a smile.

"We're great! How about you?" Alice asks, returning the smile.

Keira nods. "I saw your battle with that red-haired guy back at Docking Port. He seems tough, but he's a good trainer."

"I agree," Ash says with a nod. "If he could just change his attitude, he'd be a perfect trainer."

Keira grins. "How about a battle? I've got a new Pokémon I'd love to try out."

"Sure," Ash agrees eagerly.

Keira sends out her Roobeo, and Ash responds by sending out Aquad, ready for a fierce battle between their Fighting-type Pokémon.

"So, which Pokémon do you think will win, Mark?" Delia asks, curious about the matchup.

"Both are great Pokémon, but Brother has the advantage," Mark replies confidently.

"I see," Alice says, watching the battle unfold.

The two Pokémon clash with powerful moves, but in the end, Aquad begins to glow, signaling its evolution. As it grows taller, reaching the same height as Ash, it uses Submission, delivering a final blow that knocks Roobeo out.

"Wow, you evolved!" Ash exclaims, his eyes widening in surprise as he looks up at his newly evolved Pokémon. He quickly scans it with his Pokédex.

Smaqua: The Freshwater Pokémon. Fighting and Water Type. Evolved from Aquad at Level 28. Smaqua train by standing on rocks in the center of whitewater rapids, avoiding and smashing any obstacles that may wash down the river.

Keira smiles, recalling her Roobeo. "I enjoyed that battle. You're still the best, Ash." She then asks, "Are you headed to Highpoint City?"

"Of course, I need to get my fifth Gym Badge," Ash replies.

Keira nods in understanding. "Well, I'm heading back to Route 6 to train my Pokémon. I think I need to catch a stronger one... Good luck with the Gym in Highpoint City. We'll definitely meet again. Bye!" With that, Keira waves and heads off in the opposite direction.

As she leaves, Alice comments, "So she came all the way here just for a battle?"

Ash shrugs as they continue forward. "Maybe she just wanted to show us her Roobeo."

With that, they press on, their goal of reaching Highpoint City and earning Ash's fifth Gym Badge driving them forward.

As Ash and his friends continue their journey, they come across a section of the forest with charred trees and scorched ground. Mark surveys the damage and says, "Wow... I wonder what kind of Pokémon could have caused this."

Just then, they spot a bear-like Pokémon practicing its Flamethrower on a tree. However, when it notices the group, its expression instantly shifts to a cute, innocent look, causing Alice to coo, "You are so cute."

Ash, however, remains cautious. "But that face... it sure changes rapidly," he remarks, noting the Pokémon's sudden shift in demeanor.

Suddenly, the bear Pokémon turns its head and shoots a Flamethrower directly at Ash. Fortunately, Ash manages to dodge just in time. "Hey, what was that for?" he exclaims, startled by the attack.

"I think it's mad about you mentioning its changing expressions," Mark says with a chuckle.

Before the bear can launch another attack, Ash quickly sends out Charizard. Charizard swoops in, grabbing the bear Pokémon to prevent it from causing more trouble.