13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 41 Mount Highpoint

After they finish their tasks, Ash and the group find the keys to Captain Sammy's house. With that done, they head toward the gym for Ash's Gym Battle. As they approach the entrance, they are stopped by a man named Clyde.

"I'm sorry, but Amber isn't at the gym right now," Clyde informs them.

Delia sighs, "Seriously? Where could Amber possibly be?"

Ash looks at his mother in surprise. "Mom, you know Amber?"

"Yes," Delia replies. "She was my travel companion back when I was in Hoenn. She's quite a skilled trainer, actually. She even sparred with Red a few times."

"So, she's a friend of yours?" Alice asks, and Delia nods in response.

"I think she might be at Mt. Highpoint," Delia continues. "We might be able to find her there."

"Sure," Ash agrees, and they head toward the mountain.

Upon arriving at Mt. Highpoint, Ash accidentally bumps into someone. "Oww... Hey, are you with those strange people who've been spotted on Mt. Highpoint?"

"Is that how you greet my son, Amber?" Delia says with a chuckle, surprising the group.

The woman, Amber, looks up, startled. "Wait, Delia... Is that you?"

Amber stands up, dusting herself off. "Wow, it's been a while. And these are your and Red's kids?"

"Well, except for Alice here," Delia replies with a smile. "She's also a Gym Leader, just like you. Actually, we came here to find you. Why aren't you at the gym?"

"I heard reports of strange people in odd outfits making their way up the mountain," Amber explains. "As the Gym Leader of Highpoint City, it's my duty to make sure there's no funny business going on."

Ash frowns, "I bet it's either Team Solar or Team Lunar... They're always causing trouble."

Amber's expression darkens as she mutters, "Team Solar, huh... If you see anything suspicious, let me know. I'll go on ahead." Without another word, Amber rushes toward the top of the mountain, leaving the group behind.

"So, she's always been like that? Mother?" Mark asks, curiosity in his voice.

"I guess so," Delia replies thoughtfully. "She hasn't changed much since the last time I saw her..."

"But she flinched when we mentioned Team Solar... I wonder why," Ash muses, noticing that Delia also flinched slightly at the mention.

Just then, Alice notices something unusual. "Um... Ash? One of your eggs—it's glowing again..."

Ash quickly takes off his backpack and retrieves the glowing egg. "What's going on here? This is the second time it's happened."

"Yeah," Alice agrees, watching in amazement as the yellow egg begins to crack open. Moments later, it hatches into a Pokémon resembling a small bird with lightning-shaped wings.

Blitzy, the Firework Pokémon. Electric and Fire Type. Blitzy sparkle in the night sky, often being mistaken for stars. People sometimes have them create light shows for celebrations.

"Wow, this Pokémon can create fireworks! That's so cool," Alice exclaims, her eyes wide with excitement.

"I know, right?" Ash grins, gently petting the newly hatched Blitzy as it coos softly in response. "I'll take good care of you."

As they continue up the mountain, Ash and the group encounter Team Solar Grunts blocking their path. One of the grunts sends out a Fyant, a Bug-type Pokémon, to challenge them.