13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 65 Subhail Wonderland

The sound of barking wakes Ash and Alice from a deep sleep inside the hiding area that Alice used to stay in as a child. As they groggily open their eyes, they notice how Paul and Paula, along with the two small Rinolars, have been keeping them warm. Looking around, they realize they're hugging each other tightly, their faces heating up with embarrassment as steam almost seems to rise from their ears.

"How did we end up like this...?" they both wonder, though they secretly enjoy the cuddle. Their thoughts are interrupted by the barking sound again.

"What was that?" Ash asks, sitting up. "Was it Huskold and Husky?"

"Maybe," Alice replies as they break their embrace and head toward the sound. They soon discover Huskold and Husky licking a small Huskpup, which is barking affectionately. Alice gasps, "Wow, the egg hatched..."

"Wow, you're parents now, Huskold, Husky," Ash says, grinning as the two dog Pokémon bark proudly. Huskold and Husky allow Ash and Alice to approach the small Huskpup, who wags its tail excitedly and rubs against their legs. After a short while, the Huskpup scampers off to play with the Polarpaw and Rinolars, with Pikachu eagerly joining in to avoid being left out. The sight makes Ash and Alice laugh softly.

Stepping outside the cave, they find that the blizzard has stopped, revealing the city up ahead. "That's Subhail City," Alice points out. "We're almost there."

"Wow..." Ash says, taking in the sight. "I guess it's time for us to head out."

Alice turns to the Polarpaw and Rinolars. "Thank you for giving us shelter, but we have to go now—we have other things to do."

The four Pokémon seem reluctant to see them go, having enjoyed their company. Ash suggests, "Why don't you join our team?" The Pokémon eagerly agree.

Colcub: The Polar Pokemon: Ice Type. Colcub are taught to swim at a very young age. They feed mainly on fishes, though occasionally they would opt for Yache Berries.

Subearo: The Polar Pokemon: Ice and Fighting Type. Evolved from Colcub at LV:44. Subearo's claws are permanently coated in cold air, leaving frost marks on whatever they slash at. Some trainers employ them to create intricate ice sculptures.

Polarpaw: The Polar Pokemon: Ice and Fighting Type. Evolved from Subearo with Ice Stone. Despite living in completely different climates, Polarpow exhibit extreme aggression when fighting Magrizzly. This phenomenon is still being studied.

Rinolar: The Rhino Pokemon: Ice and Ground Type. Rinolar were alive and abundant in the ages long past, but since then they have only ever been found frozen in a giant glaciers or inside ice caves.

As Ash looks around the cave, he asks, "What should we do with this place?"

Alice thinks for a moment and then suggests, "How about we use our Aura to create a door so people know this place belongs to us?"

"Good idea," Ash agrees. They work together to craft a door using their Aura, marking the cave as their own special spot. Once they're done, they set off toward Subhail City, ready for whatever comes next.

Upon finally arriving at Subhail City, Ash and Alice spot Rodney and Keira sitting and waiting for them at the Pokémon Center.

"Hey, guys!" Ash calls out.

Keira greets them with a high five. "Hey, Ash, Alice. You finally made it!"

Rodney gives Alice a brotherly hug, saying, "Yeah, we were worried about you two with that blizzard yesterday. I thought you might've run into some trouble."