13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 48 Goopool Swamp Part 2

As they venture deeper into the swamp, the thick mist clings to their skin, and the eerie silence is occasionally broken by distant, unidentifiable sounds. Suddenly, they spot a Pokémon assembling itself using fungus. Ash furrows his brow in confusion. "Why are there so many crazy Pokémon inside this swamp?"

Delia chuckles softly. "Well, because this place is spooky and mysterious, of course. What you're seeing is a Slibloo, a Pokémon that consists entirely of fungus."

Ash, intrigued, decides to act. "Then maybe Wraphro can help me out." He sends out his Pokémon, and Gina's eyes widen in admiration.

"You've caught a Wraphro? I'm proud of you, Ash," Gina says, clearly impressed.

Ash smiles but remains focused. "We can talk about it later. Wraphro, use Phantom Grip!"

Wraphro extends its spectral hands, grabbing hold of Slibloo with an eerie grip. Seizing the opportunity, Ash throws a Pokéball, successfully capturing the strange Pokémon. As the battle concludes, Wraphro begins to glow, evolving into a new, more powerful form—Pharobe.

Pharobe: The Mummy Pokémon. Ghost type. Evolved from Wraphro at LV:32. Pharobe were once the loyal servants to ancient Rikotoan desert kings and queens, and now they are regarded as the kings of the pyramids.

Slibloo: The Congregate Pokémon. Poison type. Slibloo are said to be a collective being of fungus gathered together. Even if struck apart, it can reform with ease.

"You know, Pharobe is one of my favorite Pokémon," Gina comments, her tone filled with admiration. "And believe me, it's really helpful—they truly were servants in the past."

Ash nods thoughtfully, appreciating the historical connection. "I see."

As they move forward, the water gradually becomes clearer, sparkling under the faint light filtering through the trees. Ash, puzzled by the sudden change, remarks, "Strange, how come this area is so clean? When we entered the swamp, there was a lot of dirt, and it wasn't exactly the best-smelling place either."

Alice looks around thoughtfully. "I guess it must be the work of that Pokémon." She points ahead, where they see a creature resembling a Kappa near the water's edge.

"That's a Kapplash," Delia explains. "It's known for bringing clean water."

Ash prepares to send out Roobeo, but Gina interjects, "Are you sure that's a good idea? Kapplash is a Water and Psychic type, and Roobeo is Fighting and Ground. You're at a disadvantage."

Ash grins confidently. "Don't worry. I don't care about type advantages."

To everyone's surprise, Roobeo uses Grass Knot and Payback, moves that catch the Kapplash off guard. After a tough battle, Roobeo emerges victorious and begins to glow, evolving into a larger, more powerful form—Roobeop.

Roobeop: The Kickboxing Pokémon. Fighting and Ground type. Evolved from Roobeo at LV:32. Kickboxing masters among Fighting-type Pokémon, Roobeop wander Rikoto searching for an appropriate Roobeo to train as their apprentice.

Kapplash: The Kappa Pokémon. Water and Psychic type. Once thought to be malicious river demons, Kapplash are actually benevolent Pokémon that bring clean water. Many people offer them cucumbers as tokens of appreciation.

After the battle, Gina shakes her head in amazement. "You know, Mother, I'm curious how he won the Alola League..."

Delia smiles, though her expression darkens with a touch of melancholy. "Well, he likes to think outside the box, just like Red..." Her thoughts drift to her husband, and the smile fades into a frown.