13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 50 Coralite Town

Ash and his friends finally arrive at Coralite Town, and Alice breathes a sigh of relief as she steps onto solid ground. "Finally, we're on a non-sea route," she says, glad to be done with surfing for now.

Gina nods in agreement. "Yeah. First, we went through the swamp, then straight to the ocean. We haven't had much land travel these past few days."

Ash, feeling the weariness of their journey, says, "Right now, I just want to head to the Pokémon Center and rest." The group decides to make their way there.

As they enter the Pokémon Center, they spot Rick waiting for his Pokémon from Nurse Joy. Ash groans inwardly, not pleased to see him. Rick has a habit of calling Ash a loser, despite never having beaten him in a battle.

"You again?" Ash mutters, clearly not thrilled.

Rick, noticing them, grins smugly. "Ah! It's you! Still trailing behind me, I see! Haha! I'm just here healing my Pokémon because I'm going to train at the Battle Cafe."

"Battle Cafe?" Alice asks, intrigued. "Is that something special?"

Rick looks at her as if she's missing out on something obvious. "Haven't you heard of it? It's a place where people from all over the Rikoto Region come to battle and train! After my training, I'm heading to the Coralite Lighthouse. I've heard the keeper on the highest floor is a real challenge and the founder of the Pokémon Flying Service! I doubt you can beat him!"

Ash, unfazed by Rick's taunts, replies coolly, "Is that so? So you think you can beat him, huh? If I can't, then surely you can't either, right? Since you've always lost to me."

Rick's grin falters, and he grits his teeth. "Oh, I will! And when I do, I'll get to use his Flying Service for free! Catch you later, loser!" With that, Rick storms out without another glance at them.

Gina sighs after Rick is out of sight. "What's with that guy? He's really getting on my nerves."

Alice explains everything about Rick, and Gina nods in understanding. Meanwhile, Ash is thinking about Rick's words. "So there's a trainer on the highest floor who's really good at battling?"

Gina smiles, her expression softening. "Of course, he's really strong." But Alice notices a blush creeping up Gina's cheeks and asks, "So, do you know him?"

Before Gina can answer, Delia and Red walk into the Pokémon Center. Delia, with a teasing grin, says, "I think you're talking about your boyfriend, Gina?"

"Mom!" Gina yells, clearly flustered.

Ash, catching onto the situation, can't resist teasing her. "Wait, your boyfriend? Why didn't I know about this?"

Gina glares at Ash, warning him, "Don't you dare tease me, Ash!"

Ash shrugs, trying to act uninterested, though a playful grin lingers on his face.

"Calm down, you two," Red interjects with a chuckle. "Why don't we go visit him? I'm sure Beacon would love to see you as well."

Gina sighs, still embarrassed, but relents. "I guess so."

As they ascend the Lighthouse and reach the top, they find Beacon standing by the window, watching over the sea. Hearing them approach, Beacon turns around with a smile. "Gina, I thought it might be you. And Ms. Ketchum, it's nice to see you again."

"Hello, Beacon," Delia greets him warmly. "How's the Flying Service going?"

Beacon sighs slightly. "Well, I have the service up and running, but I couldn't leave this place... But enough about that. Care to introduce the others you've brought along?"