13.Ash's Rikoto Story

Chapter 72 Waytide Gym

After exploring the Rikoto Region, Ash and Alice put their new Super Rod to good use, along with other methods, to search for new Pokémon. Despite their efforts, every Pokémon they encountered was one they already had. Undeterred, they decided to battle these familiar Pokémon to train and strengthen themselves, preparing for the challenge that awaited them at the Waytide Gym.

When Ash and Alice arrive in Waytide City, they run into Rodney and Keira, who are also there for their final gym battle. Rodney greets them with a curious smile, "So, how did it go? I mean, you went to see your old friends again, right?"

Ash nods, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Trust me, it went better than I expected. They were forced to do something wrong—they didn't have their free will back then. I shouldn't hold a grudge against those who were mindless in their actions. The real blame lies with the ones who were controlling them."

"You're right about that," Keira agrees with a nod. Then, with a spark of excitement in her eyes, she adds, "So, before we head into the gym, how about a match?"

"Sure," Ash responds eagerly.

They engage in a fierce battle, and after an intense exchange of moves, Ash emerges victorious against both Rodney and Keira. With their spirits high and confidence bolstered, they finally step into the Waytide Gym, ready to earn their final badge.

Rodney exclaims, "I can't believe we're actually doing this. Our last Gym Battle..."

"Yeah," Ash responds, a mix of anticipation and determination in his voice. "And now, my brother is the final opponent we have to face..."

As they step inside the gym, they're greeted by the sight of cascading waterfalls and a floor entirely covered in water. Alice takes it all in, her eyes wide with amazement. "It sure is full of water..." she remarks.

Keira, ever practical, adds, "Well, I wouldn't say it's dangerous—considering those teams we faced were far more dangerous than this."

"Yeah, it was so crazy back in Sario Town. I still can't believe we managed to beat Team Solar and Team Lunar," Rodney reflects, shaking his head in disbelief.

The group climbs the waterfall to reach the battlefield, where they find Wade already waiting for them. Ash notices his brother standing alone and asks with a smirk, "Not with your girlfriend?"

Wade responds, "She went back to Hoenn. Her father was worried after hearing about Team Solar and Team Lunar. But here you are, and this is it—your final gym battle in the Rikoto Region. The three of you have come so far, and you must have some pretty strong Pokémon to have won seven badges and thwarted the plans of Team Solar and Team Lunar. But don't think for a second that it'll be easy—I became a Gym Leader for a reason! You'll find out why in our battle. Let's get started!"

Ash steps forward, ready to go first. Wade flips a switch, and suddenly, water begins to flood the battlefield. Curious, Ash asks, "So, what's the additional field effect?"

Wade grins, the challenge evident in his eyes. "If you want to know, this is the Water Field. On this field, platforms may start sinking for a short period. It's vital to change your standing place quickly, or else you'll sink."

"I see," Ash replies, his mind already strategizing for the unique challenge ahead.

"Now, it's time to face my first Pokémon: Jelliking!" Wade declares as the jellyfish Pokémon emerges onto the battlefield.

Ash wastes no time, calling out, "Mersidon, I choose you!"

As the graceful mermaid Pokémon appears, Wade raises an eyebrow. "I see, an underwater battle, huh?"