13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 42 Highpoint Gym Battle

Ash and his friends return to Highpoint City, only to run into Rick. Ash groans, "You again?"

Rick smirks, "Ash, Alice... I heard about what happened at Mount Highpoint. Who are those guys? They better not get in my way! I've already beaten Amber and got the Badge—so that's five Badges down, three to go! Easy! You better catch up!"

"Sure..." Ash mutters, unimpressed.

Rick continues, "I'm heading to Waytide City next. I hear there's a Fishing Contest there. Might as well see what I can catch! Catch you later, loser!" With that, Rick strides off, leaving Ash to sigh in exasperation before they head to the gym.

As they walk, Ash asks, "Mother, do you know anything about Amber's strategy?"

"Amber specializes in Fire-type Pokémon," Delia explains. "She trained back at Mt. Chimney in the Hoenn Region, so she's very skilled. If I remember correctly, this time you'll be facing four of her Pokémon."

"I see," Ash says with determination. "I'm ready for that."

Upon entering the gym, they notice switches on the floor and lava pits scattered around. Amber stands on the other side of the battlefield and greets them, "Hello, everyone. Thanks again for your help at Mount Highpoint. Those people are definitely up to no good."

"Don't worry about it, Amber," Delia reassures her. "We'll handle them."

Amber nods and then takes on her Gym Leader persona. "As you know, I'm Amber, the Gym Leader of Highpoint Gym. I use Fire-type Pokémon, so I hope you're ready for this!"

Suddenly, parts of the floor begin to disappear, leaving only the sections with switches intact. Ash looks around, puzzled. "What's going on...?"

Amber explains, "In this gym, the battlefield changes like this. But don't worry—if you activate the switches, the platforms will shift. That's how this gym works."

"Got it," Ash replies, moving to his side of the battlefield while the others take their seats in the stands.

"My first Pokémon will be Hottop," Amber declares as she sends out the Fire and Rock-type Pokémon. "Come on! Show me your skills!"

"You bet," Ash replies confidently. "Since Hottop is a Fire and Rock type, I'll choose Pupool." As the dog-like Pokémon appears, it surprises Ash by licking him affectionately. "Not now, Pupool," Ash chuckles. "We need to focus on the battle."

Pupool nods and turns to face the Gym Leader's Hottop. Amber wastes no time and commands, "Let's start with Stealth Rock!"

Hottop shoots out invisible rocks, and one of them hits a switch, causing the platform to shift. "Get out of there quick, Pupool!" Ash orders.

Pupool leaps to another platform just in time, but Ash can see the challenge ahead. "This is really tough, but we'll overcome it. Pupool, use Water Sport!"

Pupool splashes water around, dampening the battlefield and weakening Hottop's Fire-type moves. Amber, unfazed, counters, "Hottop doesn't rely only on fire moves. Use Rock Slide!"

"Quick, dodge it!" Ash shouts. Pupool jumps to another platform, but he's soon trapped as another rock comes his way. "Stay calm, Pupool! Use Aqua Jet on that switch!"

The puppy Pokémon nods and executes the move, activating another switch. The platforms shift again, and Mark comments, "He's getting the hang of it."

"Great job, Ash!" Alice cheers, with Pikachu joining in with a supportive cry.

Amber smirks, "Don't celebrate too soon. This lava is artificial, which means Fire Pokémon can swim in it." To Ash's surprise, Hottop dives into the lava and swims directly in front of Pupool. "Use Lava Plume!"