13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 67 Subhail Gym Battle

Before heading to the gym, Ash, Alice, and their friends decide to take on one final request from a fairy-tale girl they met earlier in the city. The girl, her eyes filled with worry, had told them that her Snowlow had gone missing and had a habit of hiding inside snowmen around the city.

Determined to help, the group begins their search, scanning the various snowmen scattered throughout the city. The cold wind nips at their faces as they move from one snowman to another, each time hoping to find the missing Pokémon.

After checking several snowmen without any luck, Pikachu suddenly perks up. "I think I hear something," he says, pointing toward a large snowman in the northeastern part of the city.

"Let's check it out," Ash suggests, feeling a surge of hope. The group approaches the snowman cautiously, and Ash takes out the hammer they received earlier from a helpful city resident.

With a decisive swing, Ash taps the snowman, and to everyone's relief, Snowlow pops out, shaking off the snow that clung to its icy feathers. The small Pokémon looks up at them with wide eyes, as if realizing it has been found.

"There you are!" Alice exclaims, kneeling down to gently scoop up Snowlow. The Pokémon lets out a soft, happy cry, clearly pleased to be back in friendly hands.

They quickly return to the fairy-tale girl, who is waiting anxiously near the city center. Her face lights up with joy when she sees her beloved Snowlow safe and sound.

"Thank you so much!" she exclaims, hugging Snowlow tightly before turning to the group with gratitude in her eyes. "I was so worried, but you found him!"

Ash smiles, happy to have helped. "We're glad we could find him for you."

As a token of her appreciation, the girl reaches into her bag and hands them a small, rectangular item. "Please, take this TM for Shadow Claw as a thank you. I hope it helps you on your journey."

Alice accepts the TM with a smile. "Thank you! We'll definitely put it to good use."

With their mission complete and Snowlow safely back with its trainer, the group feels a sense of fulfillment as they make their way back toward the gym.

As they enter the Gym Field, Ash, Rodney, and Keira find themselves at the base of a mountain-like structure. They board chairlifts that slowly carry them up to the half-top of the mountain, where the battlefield is located. The cold air grows crisper as they ascend, and the view becomes more breathtaking with each passing second.

"This really is a great skiing field, and it really suits Alice," Rodney remarks, taking in the snowy landscape.

"I know, but a mountain inside a gym reminds me of the Cyllage City Gym," Ash adds, reminiscing. "That gym was on top of the Big Wall, and I had to climb it to reach the battlefield."

"That sounds dangerous," Keira comments, wide-eyed as they finally reach the top. As they disembark, they're greeted with an unexpected sight—the battlefield is surrounded by large, reflective mirrors.

Keira, puzzled, looks around. "Mirrors? What is she planning?"

Rodney strokes his chin thoughtfully. "I have to assume it might be related to her Field effect. I still remember the field effect from the Greenpine City Gym, where they used status effects by spraying powders."

Ash nods, a small sweatdrop forming on his forehead. "I remember that. It wasn't fun at all. But let's hope Alice's Field effect is going to be a good one."

Keira grins teasingly. "Of course, she's your girlfriend, so she'll take it easy on you."

"Are you really sure about that?" a familiar voice calls out from above. They look up to see Alice standing at the peak of the mountain, her presence commanding. With a graceful leap, she begins skiing down the slope, expertly weaving through the snow with precision and flair. As she approaches the battlefield, she performs a final, skillful jump, landing smoothly and dismounting from her ski gadget with a flourish.