13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 66 More Ice Adventures

Once they've returned, Rodney asks, "That reminds me, did Rick already challenge your gym?"

Alice shakes her head. "I don't think so. He's always in such a rush, taunting us for being slow. I'm guessing he battled Mr. Chiu before and won."

"If that's the case, we can't lose to him," Keira says, her voice filled with determination. "We need to train more so we have a chance to defeat him."

"Yeah, so far only Ash has been able to defeat him with ease," Rodney adds, glancing at Ash. "So, Ash, you'll probably go first, right?"

Ash responds with a confident smile, "Actually, I want to capture some more Pokémon first. There are still a lot of Pokémon out there waiting for me."

Alice nods thoughtfully. "That works out. It'll give me more time to prepare the gym since Mr. Chiu just handed it over to me yesterday."

During their training in Frosthail Forest, Ash and Alice stumble upon two different ape-like Pokémon deep in the woods. Alice's eyes widen in surprise. "What? Two different Sascrush in the same place?"

"Sascrush? You mean they're the same species?" Ash asks, puzzled.

Alice nods, confirming his suspicion. They both decide to capture the Pokémon, intrigued by the unusual sight.

Apein: The Ape Pokémon: Normal/Ice and Dark Type. As human development encroaches on the rainforests, sightings of Apein have become increasingly rare. They now prefer to hide among treetops to avoid detection.

Sascrush: The Rumored Pokémon: Normal/Ice and Dark Type. Evolved from Apein in the Tropic Jungle/Frosthail Forest. Due to their keen senses, Sascrush were elusive to cameras until recently. Their large footprints in the mountains once inspired folk tales of giants.

Curious about why the Tropic form of Sascrush is here in the forest, Ash asks about their presence. One of the Sascrush explains that the rigid form of Sascrush brought them here so they could train together and become stronger.

Moved by their dedication, Ash and Alice decide to help them with their training. Alice, growing fond of her new Pokémon, names her Sascrush "Sans."

As Ash and the group navigate through Frosthail Forest, Brachio, Ash's trusted companion, suddenly begins to glow with a vibrant green light. The light intensifies, causing Brachio's form to shift and grow, its neck elongating and its body becoming more massive. Leaves envelop Brachio, thickening into a protective pelt.

Brachiodon: The Sauropod Pokemon: Grass and Ground Type. Evolved from Brachio at LV;45. Brachiodon were near extinction until they adapted by growing a pelt of leaves, which camouflages them and protects them from predators.

Ash approaches his newly evolved Pokémon, a broad smile on his face. "Brachiodon... you've grown so strong," he says, his voice filled with pride and admiration.

Brachiodon lowers its head, gently nuzzling Ash in response, its enormous size and strength now a symbol of their unbreakable bond.

Alice watches in awe. "Brachiodon looks amazing, Ash! With that pelt, it can blend in perfectly with the forest."

Ash nods, feeling a surge of confidence. "Yeah, and with Brachiodon by our side, we'll be unstoppable."

As they continue their journey, Brachiodon walks beside Ash, its leafy pelt rustling softly with each step, a living testament to their growth and resilience.

"Ash! Help!" Pikachu's urgent cry immediately catches their attention.

"What's wrong?" Alice asks, concern etched on her face.